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Dirk & Steele #11
Within the Flames: A Dirk & Steele Novel
"Marjorie Liu is magic! Her writing is passionate, lyric, gritty, and riveting. She belongs high on everyone's must-read list."--Elizabeth Lowell
"Anyone who loves my work should love hers."--Christine Feehan
A pyrokinetic former thief who fears the destructive power of flame at his fingertips...A beautiful shapeshifter with fiery talents of her own hiding in the tunnels below Manhattan from those who destroyed her family and her race...Put them together and you have Within the Flames, a powerfully sensual and totally gripping new Dirk & Steele romantic adventure from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marjorie M. Liu. One of the boldest, most exciting and original voices in paranormal romance, Lui returns once more to the supernatural detective agency she made famous, a heroic covert organization that specializes in protecting extraordinary beings. This is strange excitement, a deeply emotional, brilliantly conceived and executed winner by an author on a par with Christine Feehan, Jeaniene Frost, and Nalini Singh. Within the Flames is a must-read for paranormal aficionados. Remember: "If you have yet to add Liu to your must-read list, you're doing yourself a disservice" (Booklist).
"Anyone who loves my work should love hers."--Christine Feehan
A pyrokinetic former thief who fears the destructive power of flame at his fingertips...A beautiful shapeshifter with fiery talents of her own hiding in the tunnels below Manhattan from those who destroyed her family and her race...Put them together and you have Within the Flames, a powerfully sensual and totally gripping new Dirk & Steele romantic adventure from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marjorie M. Liu. One of the boldest, most exciting and original voices in paranormal romance, Lui returns once more to the supernatural detective agency she made famous, a heroic covert organization that specializes in protecting extraordinary beings. This is strange excitement, a deeply emotional, brilliantly conceived and executed winner by an author on a par with Christine Feehan, Jeaniene Frost, and Nalini Singh. Within the Flames is a must-read for paranormal aficionados. Remember: "If you have yet to add Liu to your must-read list, you're doing yourself a disservice" (Booklist).
1 pages, Audio CD
First published November 29, 2011
About the author
Marjorie M. Liu
327 books4,347 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning writer Marjorie Liu is best known for her fiction and comic books. She teaches comic book writing at MIT, and she leads a class on Popular Fiction at the Voices of Our Nation (VONA) workshop.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 6, 2012
I read this out of order from the rest of the series because I accidentally bought it haha. BUT it was great, as usual. This author has such a distinct style, a way of drawing the main characters that is so ROMANTIC, I really just love seeing the damaged people she can put together to make a whole. I love the world she's built and Eddie is a great hero! Definitely recommended. (and now I gotta read the ones between 4 and 11, eep!)
April 17, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/12/rev...
Favorite Quote: “He hurts. Like you, his heart has nowhere to fall. You could fall together.”
Lyssa Andreanos has spent the majority of her life alone; hiding who and what she is. Having watched her parents brutally murdered, Lyssa never recovered and now lives in fear that she will be next. When it becomes apparent that she has been found, Lyssa attempts to run only to realize that there is no place to run to. Now she must decide if she is willing to embrace her dark side in order to save her life and those around her.
Eddie made a choice at age 13 that forever changed his life. On the path of ruin, the founder of Dirk and Steele, Roland, comes to his rescue and tries to help Eddie find an outlet for his sometimes uncontrollable powers. When Roland assigns Eddie to find and protect Lyssa, Eddie never imagines that this assignment will lead him to his mate and he will have to embrace his own powers in order to save her and himself from certain death.
The 11th Dirk and Steele novel, Within The Flames, once again transports us into Ms. Liu’s dark and emotional world of magic and the lives of those who fight to live within it. The continued world building expands on what we already know; allowing us to revisit old friends and dig deeper into the hidden nuances of this world. Dynamic multilayered characters and heart stopping storylines continue to keep this a #1 must read paranormal romance series for me. I truly enjoy the darkness that Ms. Liu surrounds her characters and their stories with. The theory of good and evil is blurred here as each character reacts realistically to circumstances. While I didn’t find this story as emotionally heart breaking as In The Dark Of Dreams -#10, I found that the journey Eddie and Lyssa take together to be just as soul satisfying.
Eddie and Lyssa are perfect for this story and one other. Both physically and emotionally damaged-fearful of themselves and what they can do. They each have been alone for so long that it takes awhile for their minds to acknowledged what their souls already know-they are one. Neither of them sees the horror in the other. They are both accepting of who the other one is and that only enhances the joy that occurs when they begin to embrace, accept, and forgive themselves. I love the noir feeling that Lyssa and her powers invoke. Once it becomes clear to what she really is, other paranormals are wary of her. And they should be. She is dangerous and I like that Ms. Liu doesn’t downplay that danger. She has the power to destroy them all yet has the will power to deny those urges. Except when she sees injustice.
Lyssa did not move a muscle, but the sense of menace that had been growing around her seemed to spark and intensify, until it was as though actual doom was descending.
“You go after any gargoyle, or…and there will be a storm that comes down on your head that you will never rise from, ever.”
She is a wonderful mixture of fragility and steel.
Eddie is fabulous with his patience and steadfast ways towards Lyssa. He handles her with care; knowing that she needs to trust herself and him before they can go forward. His complete acceptance of her makes him a true hero in my eyes. He assures her repeatedly that no matter what she does or where she goes, he will always be there for her.
“I’m not going anywhere. I was sent to find you. To protect you. You run and I will find you. Again and, and again, and again.”
“We are forever. And ever after.”
The romance evolves at a realistic pace, allowing Eddie and Lyssa to get to know one another and deal with their personal issues-regardless of the “mate bond”. Even though the physical aspects are very low key; the chemistry between Eddie and Lyssa is so emotionally charged you can feel it leaping off the pages. Their internal and external dialogue between one another is both enlightening and heart pinching.
Ms. Liu does a fantastic job of blending the suspense of the story with the romance. Non stop action speeds the story along at an engaging pace as the real plot begins to slowly reveal itself. While there is a lot going on, Ms. Liu’s clear and concise writing leaves little confusion. With each scene we watch Eddie and Lyssa face their fears and over come obstacles. Nether plot nor romance is sacrificed. They balance and complement each other through the entire book.
The supporting cast is both strong and imposing. We are once again reminded that everyone has an agenda and does not always play by the rules. We also see aspects of prejudice and fear that adds realism to the storyline. Old friends are touched upon and new friends and enemies are made. I found each one to be a satisfying addition to the story.
The ending was phenomenal and climatic with some appealing surprises. It left me thoroughly satisfied with where Eddie and Lyssa’s relationship is heading. This one can be read as a stand alone; the characters and story line is self contained. Looking for a fantastically dark paranormal romance? Then I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Liu’s Dirk & Steele series.
Overall Rating: B+
Favorite Quote: “He hurts. Like you, his heart has nowhere to fall. You could fall together.”
Lyssa Andreanos has spent the majority of her life alone; hiding who and what she is. Having watched her parents brutally murdered, Lyssa never recovered and now lives in fear that she will be next. When it becomes apparent that she has been found, Lyssa attempts to run only to realize that there is no place to run to. Now she must decide if she is willing to embrace her dark side in order to save her life and those around her.
Eddie made a choice at age 13 that forever changed his life. On the path of ruin, the founder of Dirk and Steele, Roland, comes to his rescue and tries to help Eddie find an outlet for his sometimes uncontrollable powers. When Roland assigns Eddie to find and protect Lyssa, Eddie never imagines that this assignment will lead him to his mate and he will have to embrace his own powers in order to save her and himself from certain death.
The 11th Dirk and Steele novel, Within The Flames, once again transports us into Ms. Liu’s dark and emotional world of magic and the lives of those who fight to live within it. The continued world building expands on what we already know; allowing us to revisit old friends and dig deeper into the hidden nuances of this world. Dynamic multilayered characters and heart stopping storylines continue to keep this a #1 must read paranormal romance series for me. I truly enjoy the darkness that Ms. Liu surrounds her characters and their stories with. The theory of good and evil is blurred here as each character reacts realistically to circumstances. While I didn’t find this story as emotionally heart breaking as In The Dark Of Dreams -#10, I found that the journey Eddie and Lyssa take together to be just as soul satisfying.
Eddie and Lyssa are perfect for this story and one other. Both physically and emotionally damaged-fearful of themselves and what they can do. They each have been alone for so long that it takes awhile for their minds to acknowledged what their souls already know-they are one. Neither of them sees the horror in the other. They are both accepting of who the other one is and that only enhances the joy that occurs when they begin to embrace, accept, and forgive themselves. I love the noir feeling that Lyssa and her powers invoke. Once it becomes clear to what she really is, other paranormals are wary of her. And they should be. She is dangerous and I like that Ms. Liu doesn’t downplay that danger. She has the power to destroy them all yet has the will power to deny those urges. Except when she sees injustice.
Lyssa did not move a muscle, but the sense of menace that had been growing around her seemed to spark and intensify, until it was as though actual doom was descending.
“You go after any gargoyle, or…and there will be a storm that comes down on your head that you will never rise from, ever.”
She is a wonderful mixture of fragility and steel.
Eddie is fabulous with his patience and steadfast ways towards Lyssa. He handles her with care; knowing that she needs to trust herself and him before they can go forward. His complete acceptance of her makes him a true hero in my eyes. He assures her repeatedly that no matter what she does or where she goes, he will always be there for her.
“I’m not going anywhere. I was sent to find you. To protect you. You run and I will find you. Again and, and again, and again.”
“We are forever. And ever after.”
The romance evolves at a realistic pace, allowing Eddie and Lyssa to get to know one another and deal with their personal issues-regardless of the “mate bond”. Even though the physical aspects are very low key; the chemistry between Eddie and Lyssa is so emotionally charged you can feel it leaping off the pages. Their internal and external dialogue between one another is both enlightening and heart pinching.
Ms. Liu does a fantastic job of blending the suspense of the story with the romance. Non stop action speeds the story along at an engaging pace as the real plot begins to slowly reveal itself. While there is a lot going on, Ms. Liu’s clear and concise writing leaves little confusion. With each scene we watch Eddie and Lyssa face their fears and over come obstacles. Nether plot nor romance is sacrificed. They balance and complement each other through the entire book.
The supporting cast is both strong and imposing. We are once again reminded that everyone has an agenda and does not always play by the rules. We also see aspects of prejudice and fear that adds realism to the storyline. Old friends are touched upon and new friends and enemies are made. I found each one to be a satisfying addition to the story.
The ending was phenomenal and climatic with some appealing surprises. It left me thoroughly satisfied with where Eddie and Lyssa’s relationship is heading. This one can be read as a stand alone; the characters and story line is self contained. Looking for a fantastically dark paranormal romance? Then I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Liu’s Dirk & Steele series.
Overall Rating: B+
August 26, 2011
The Dirk & Steele series has a long and varied history with me, and may deserve the title of “First Paranormal Romance I Ever Read”. I picked up WITHIN THE FLAMES expecting the same generally pleasurable experience that had kept me coming back for more (but not hurrying to gulp down the whole backlog). I was pleasantly surprised to find not only a nice romance, solid paranormal plot, and a familiar guy stepping into the role of Prince Charming, but also a memorable heroine who stands head and shoulders above her series predecessors.
Lyssa, the heroine of WITHIN THE FLAMES, is one of those rare heroine's whose happily ever after still has a hint of darkness. Like sea salt on a chocolate truffle, that flavor lent the whole story a richer and more unique tone. Liu makes many nuanced choices with her narrative that raised this book a step above simply “enjoyable”. Lannes (the hero from THE WILD ROAD), was one of the first characters to learn about Lyssa’s troubling past. Having one of my favorite heroes from the series be the mouthpiece for concerns about Lyssa lent an air of credibility to the drama in the story. Like all of the Dirk & Steele novels, the soul mate mechanism provided an initial connection between Lyssa and Eddie, but we are also given numerous reasons to believe in their Happily Ever After.
Though I was a few book behind in this series when I started reading WITHIN THE FLAMES, I found this story very easy to fall into. Someone completely new to the series wouldn’t have a hard time embracing Eddie and Lyssa, or in following the main plot, but would probably be lost when the action flashes back to agency headquarters. A wonderful romance and a heroine I adored, this book represents Dirk & Steele at its best.
Sexual Content: Several sex scenes, mentions of child abuse and rape.
Lyssa, the heroine of WITHIN THE FLAMES, is one of those rare heroine's whose happily ever after still has a hint of darkness. Like sea salt on a chocolate truffle, that flavor lent the whole story a richer and more unique tone. Liu makes many nuanced choices with her narrative that raised this book a step above simply “enjoyable”. Lannes (the hero from THE WILD ROAD), was one of the first characters to learn about Lyssa’s troubling past. Having one of my favorite heroes from the series be the mouthpiece for concerns about Lyssa lent an air of credibility to the drama in the story. Like all of the Dirk & Steele novels, the soul mate mechanism provided an initial connection between Lyssa and Eddie, but we are also given numerous reasons to believe in their Happily Ever After.
Though I was a few book behind in this series when I started reading WITHIN THE FLAMES, I found this story very easy to fall into. Someone completely new to the series wouldn’t have a hard time embracing Eddie and Lyssa, or in following the main plot, but would probably be lost when the action flashes back to agency headquarters. A wonderful romance and a heroine I adored, this book represents Dirk & Steele at its best.
Sexual Content: Several sex scenes, mentions of child abuse and rape.
April 28, 2011
After reading In the Dark of Dreams I was a little worried about going into this one. The previous book in this series, just didn’t really click with me. However, I was sucked into the story the moment I read the first line of, “A dragon slept beneath New York City.”
When she was twelve, Lyssa watched her parents murdered for their powers. Feared and cast out of the shapeshifter community because of her mother’s heritage, Lyssa has no one to turn to. In order to survive, she has been living on the streets hiding her erratic powers and avoiding others. However, the murder of the one person who knew what Lyssa was leads her parents’ killer straight to her, but it also sends Dirk and Steele pyrokinetic, Eddie, as well.
Eddie has always had trouble controlling his powers and his most recent flameout was caused by news that his sister’s killer has been released from jail for good behavior. He wants nothing more than to hunt down her murderer, but finds himself assigned with the task of finding and protecting Lyssa. Working with the gargoyle, Lannes, he discovers that Lyssa is not the helpless little lamb that they had been led to believe. Instead, he finds himself faced with a woman who everyone, Lannes included, seems to instinctively fear and hate. Soon enough, he finds himself the only one willing to help Lyssa take down her parents’ killer.
Eddie has been a reoccurring character in the series since the very first book, so I was pretty thrilled to see him get his own story. He hasn’t had it very easy, with his powers constantly flaring up and, once or twice, almost killing him. He also didn’t have a very great childhood, growing up with an abusive step-father and then living on the streets for a little while. What I loved about this, though, was how his past experiences made it easier for him to understand where Lyssa was coming from. He was understanding of her predicament, but also knew when to push at the walls she put up around herself.
Lyssa was another of Liu’s great heroines, but I think she was also one of the most vulnerable. Don’t misunderstand when I say vulnerable for lacking backbone though. The girl has some serious guts; she just has been on her own for a really long time and it shows. So, to have Eddie pop into her life and then refuse to abandon her, even with everyone saying that he should, both touches and scares her to death. She’s petrified that he’ll die either by her own hand or by the person who’s hunting her. Eddie, for his part though, is a stubborn mule and refuses to give in. I rather adore him.
One of the things that I really love about this series is how Liu incorporates her side characters into the series. She never makes them flat and when she brings in main characters from past books, it’s always to serve a purpose. She did that in this one with Lannes, the hero from The Wild Road. He was a pretty prominent figure in the story, but he wasn’t exactly the good guy in this book, which I just loved. He had reasons behind his motivations and seeing how much he feared and hated Lyssa highlighted just how prejudiced the paranormal community is against her. Because seriously? Lannes is such a sweet character that seeing animosity and distrust from him was pretty shocking.
My only complaint, which really isn’t a complaint but me pouting, is that Koni didn’t make an appearance in this book. I missed the crow shifter. He’s the character that I always look forward to seeing in these books. Since Eddie got his own book I’m hoping and praying that Liu will eventually give Koni his. And, after reading this story, I also kind of want to see Roland get more page time. He had a pretty kick ass moment here.
When she was twelve, Lyssa watched her parents murdered for their powers. Feared and cast out of the shapeshifter community because of her mother’s heritage, Lyssa has no one to turn to. In order to survive, she has been living on the streets hiding her erratic powers and avoiding others. However, the murder of the one person who knew what Lyssa was leads her parents’ killer straight to her, but it also sends Dirk and Steele pyrokinetic, Eddie, as well.
Eddie has always had trouble controlling his powers and his most recent flameout was caused by news that his sister’s killer has been released from jail for good behavior. He wants nothing more than to hunt down her murderer, but finds himself assigned with the task of finding and protecting Lyssa. Working with the gargoyle, Lannes, he discovers that Lyssa is not the helpless little lamb that they had been led to believe. Instead, he finds himself faced with a woman who everyone, Lannes included, seems to instinctively fear and hate. Soon enough, he finds himself the only one willing to help Lyssa take down her parents’ killer.
Eddie has been a reoccurring character in the series since the very first book, so I was pretty thrilled to see him get his own story. He hasn’t had it very easy, with his powers constantly flaring up and, once or twice, almost killing him. He also didn’t have a very great childhood, growing up with an abusive step-father and then living on the streets for a little while. What I loved about this, though, was how his past experiences made it easier for him to understand where Lyssa was coming from. He was understanding of her predicament, but also knew when to push at the walls she put up around herself.
Lyssa was another of Liu’s great heroines, but I think she was also one of the most vulnerable. Don’t misunderstand when I say vulnerable for lacking backbone though. The girl has some serious guts; she just has been on her own for a really long time and it shows. So, to have Eddie pop into her life and then refuse to abandon her, even with everyone saying that he should, both touches and scares her to death. She’s petrified that he’ll die either by her own hand or by the person who’s hunting her. Eddie, for his part though, is a stubborn mule and refuses to give in. I rather adore him.
One of the things that I really love about this series is how Liu incorporates her side characters into the series. She never makes them flat and when she brings in main characters from past books, it’s always to serve a purpose. She did that in this one with Lannes, the hero from The Wild Road. He was a pretty prominent figure in the story, but he wasn’t exactly the good guy in this book, which I just loved. He had reasons behind his motivations and seeing how much he feared and hated Lyssa highlighted just how prejudiced the paranormal community is against her. Because seriously? Lannes is such a sweet character that seeing animosity and distrust from him was pretty shocking.
My only complaint, which really isn’t a complaint but me pouting, is that Koni didn’t make an appearance in this book. I missed the crow shifter. He’s the character that I always look forward to seeing in these books. Since Eddie got his own book I’m hoping and praying that Liu will eventually give Koni his. And, after reading this story, I also kind of want to see Roland get more page time. He had a pretty kick ass moment here.
November 28, 2011
(3.5 stars) Within the Flames is another solid entry in Marjorie M. Liu’s Dirk & Steele paranormal romance series. In this installment, one of the most lovable recurring characters in the series finds his mate. Eddie is assigned to find and protect Lyssa, a young woman living a vagabond life in New York City. The two fall in love but must face demons both internal and external before they can be together.
In many ways, Lyssa is a perfect match for Eddie. Like him, she has powers that involve fire and is immune to being damaged by fire. Also like him, she has a troubled past filled with violence and loss. In Lyssa’s case, her future may be even darker than her past. She has a secret she keeps from everyone, a terrible destiny that she’ll do anything not to fulfill. Eddie is determined to protect her from the bad guys who are after her, but the greater threat may come from within. Liu beautifully depicts a relationship that doesn’t magically fix everything in Lyssa and Eddie’s lives, but helps them heal and makes the hurts more bearable.
It’s possible to read the Dirk & Steele novels as standalones, including this one. The aspect that loses the most, if you have read none or only a few of the earlier books, is the internal politics of Dirk & Steele. A power struggle within the organization is a part of Within the Flames’ plot, but I’ve only read two of the earlier books so I don’t think I felt the full weight of these events. Nonetheless, the romantic and suspense threads of the plot are strong and don’t require any prior knowledge.
I liked In the Dark of Dreams a hair better than Within the Flames, mostly because I loved both the childhood connection between Perrin and Jenny and the unusual nature of the antagonist. But Within the Flames is a good book featuring endearing characters, a moving love story, creepy villains, and some scenes that are truly “hot” both literally and figuratively. You’ll especially want to catch this one if you’ve enjoyed Eddie in the previous books.
In many ways, Lyssa is a perfect match for Eddie. Like him, she has powers that involve fire and is immune to being damaged by fire. Also like him, she has a troubled past filled with violence and loss. In Lyssa’s case, her future may be even darker than her past. She has a secret she keeps from everyone, a terrible destiny that she’ll do anything not to fulfill. Eddie is determined to protect her from the bad guys who are after her, but the greater threat may come from within. Liu beautifully depicts a relationship that doesn’t magically fix everything in Lyssa and Eddie’s lives, but helps them heal and makes the hurts more bearable.
It’s possible to read the Dirk & Steele novels as standalones, including this one. The aspect that loses the most, if you have read none or only a few of the earlier books, is the internal politics of Dirk & Steele. A power struggle within the organization is a part of Within the Flames’ plot, but I’ve only read two of the earlier books so I don’t think I felt the full weight of these events. Nonetheless, the romantic and suspense threads of the plot are strong and don’t require any prior knowledge.
I liked In the Dark of Dreams a hair better than Within the Flames, mostly because I loved both the childhood connection between Perrin and Jenny and the unusual nature of the antagonist. But Within the Flames is a good book featuring endearing characters, a moving love story, creepy villains, and some scenes that are truly “hot” both literally and figuratively. You’ll especially want to catch this one if you’ve enjoyed Eddie in the previous books.
November 15, 2011
I really enjoyed this 11th Dirk & Steele novel. It is one of my favorites of the series. I was happy not to have another story revolving around the Consortium.
This one was not part of any over arcing plot. It was the story of Eddie, the young man who bursts into flame under stress and a girl who is a dragon shifter who also has trouble with spontaneous combustion. I loved Eddie. He was very steadfast and warm and genuine and romantic and protective. The girl, Lyssa, had a tough shell but she really wanted someone to connect with. She of course comes with problems of the supernatural kind and tries to get him to leave for his own sake but he just sticks with her no matter what, repeating that he will not leave her and she is not alone. He is determined that he will not leave her. He has some beautiful lines which I wish I had marked while I went along.
The story is complete in itself. It is well written and the whole thing makes sense. The relationship happens fast but I don't mind that at all in a paranormal romance.
If you're a fan of the series I think you'll really enjoy it. If you're new to the series, I believe you could start here without being lost.
This one was not part of any over arcing plot. It was the story of Eddie, the young man who bursts into flame under stress and a girl who is a dragon shifter who also has trouble with spontaneous combustion. I loved Eddie. He was very steadfast and warm and genuine and romantic and protective. The girl, Lyssa, had a tough shell but she really wanted someone to connect with. She of course comes with problems of the supernatural kind and tries to get him to leave for his own sake but he just sticks with her no matter what, repeating that he will not leave her and she is not alone. He is determined that he will not leave her. He has some beautiful lines which I wish I had marked while I went along.
"Twenty-four/seven," he murmured against her mouth, "I would stick with you. I would look over my shoulder with you. Every day, for the rest of my life."
The story is complete in itself. It is well written and the whole thing makes sense. The relationship happens fast but I don't mind that at all in a paranormal romance.
If you're a fan of the series I think you'll really enjoy it. If you're new to the series, I believe you could start here without being lost.
May 29, 2011
There's something I've always liked about about Liu's prose, but her romances never work for me. Always some contrived, love-at-first-glance thing, and just when they're getting to some decent relationship development through plot progression, there'll be Hallmark-anniversary-card schmaltz barfed onto the page to make sure you understand THIS IS A ROMANCE NOVEL.
This one also succumbs to the long-series curse of cannibalizing previous books for content. If you've read previous books, the rehash is redundant, and if you haven't, why would you care about tertiary characters you've never met interrupting this story? Either way, skim, skim, skim, so many wasted pages (do, however, pause to observe that somebody dropped their Imperiled Miracle Baby to serve as a Future Book Plot Device).
This was the nail in Dirk & Steele's coffin for me.
This one also succumbs to the long-series curse of cannibalizing previous books for content. If you've read previous books, the rehash is redundant, and if you haven't, why would you care about tertiary characters you've never met interrupting this story? Either way, skim, skim, skim, so many wasted pages (do, however, pause to observe that somebody dropped their Imperiled Miracle Baby to serve as a Future Book Plot Device).
This was the nail in Dirk & Steele's coffin for me.
April 16, 2021
I just finished the last Dirk & Steele series. I read the first book, and just had to read them, in order, from the first to the last. I highly recommend this series to readers who like drama, suspense, love stories, and fantasy rolled into one. These are for mature individuals, who can read about gruesome murders, but also beautiful love scenes. The experiences and life situations in which the characters find themselves are very interesting. The words selected to describe each individual and each situation enable the reader to imagine exactly what the character looks like, as well as their surroundings. Most of the story is in first person, allowing people to feel part of the story. This final book in the series was a perfect ending. I was able to imagine from here what the characters might get up to going forward. My imagination didn’t shut down when I closed this last book.
December 3, 2011
Rating: 4.5
Absolutely loved this book! Even if you haven't read any of the other Dirk & Steele novels, I think you can follow along without any problems. I always get a little nervous when I pick up her books, because she's not afraid to have really bad things happen to her characters (some have given me nightmares), but the writing is always outstanding and you'll remember the characters for a long time after you put the book down.
Eddie, the protagonist, has long been a favorite secondary character in the other books in the series, and I was thrilled to see him finally get his own book. I think Eddie and Lyssa's romance is one of the strongest I've read in Ms. Liu's books (Artur and Elena in book 2 are my favorites), and I highly recommend it.
Absolutely loved this book! Even if you haven't read any of the other Dirk & Steele novels, I think you can follow along without any problems. I always get a little nervous when I pick up her books, because she's not afraid to have really bad things happen to her characters (some have given me nightmares), but the writing is always outstanding and you'll remember the characters for a long time after you put the book down.
Eddie, the protagonist, has long been a favorite secondary character in the other books in the series, and I was thrilled to see him finally get his own book. I think Eddie and Lyssa's romance is one of the strongest I've read in Ms. Liu's books (Artur and Elena in book 2 are my favorites), and I highly recommend it.
May 2, 2012
Marjorie M. Liu rarely, if ever disappoints. Within the Flames is a Dirk & Steele novel. It's a romance yes, but it's also paranormal, she's a dragon shape-shifter who's afraid to and he's consumed by flame. It's also an action packed adventure, filled wish suspense, and engaging thriller. A great read
April 1, 2012
How to burn up the pages...yes, I punned it.
I loved this book. I love Eddie. I love Lyssa. I loved their chemistry, I loved their pain and how they shared it with each other.
And Roland...sigh. I'm a little smitten with that broken boss of Eddie's.
I loved this book. I love Eddie. I love Lyssa. I loved their chemistry, I loved their pain and how they shared it with each other.
And Roland...sigh. I'm a little smitten with that broken boss of Eddie's.
March 6, 2017
Wait?! That was the last one. Darn it. I have loved this series, and I would read many more, since there are larger story arcs and background left unresolved, and it's such an interesting world.
June 5, 2017
what! no book with centering on Rictor or Koni -throws down all books and bawls my eyes out-
I've been waiting for Rictors book 5ever ;o;
I've been waiting for Rictors book 5ever ;o;
March 14, 2012
Eleventh in the Dirk & Steele paranormal romance series about the "employees" of a specialized detective agency based in San Francisco. The couple focus is on Eddie and Lyssa with most of the action occurring in New York City.
My Take
Whoa...intense. Between the paranormal action and the sadness of so many people living on the street, homeless, this was an excellent story. Liu presented their situation simply and mostly through the shared life experiences of Lyssa and Eddie.
It's a long process, getting Lyssa to accept Eddie's help. A very long process. One full of revelations and drama. The need to kill ever prevalent. Liu has a nice balance between Eddie and Lyssa. She wants to protect him while he refuses to leave; she wants to run and hide, but is fed up with the neverending hunt. He wants to run with Lyssa to protect her, but he also understands her decision to end it.
In between the large drama, Liu has filled out the story with the small dramas. Jimmy's contretemps with Mack over Icky's stealing his dinner. The encounter between Tina and her abusive husband. Eddie's anxiety over Swint's release from prison. Their encounters with Lannes...especially the dramatic back-and-forth with Lethe's witch family.
All while we learn the back history for both Eddie and Lyssa. Well done. Liu teased it out very nicely.
Too funny, asking the cab driver to wait 'cause they'll wanna leave fast. I just loved the cab driver's response when he learns it's a family reunion: "I'll buckle up". Oh, man, I do love what Lyssa did to Lethe's family! They deserved that and MORE.
A very odd courtship. But so appropriate for these two.
The Story
Eddie's control has shattered. It's been a year since he lost it so badly. But the news that his sister's murderer was released from prison for good behavior is enough to send anyone up in flames. Just not as literally as Eddie.
But there is no time for him to hunt down Malcolm Swint or to gain control over his fire power. There is a dragon shape-shifter in danger, hunted by the Cruor Venator, and only Eddie with his fire gift can find her, handle her.
Between Eddie and Lannes and the news that Jimmy brings her of the street people who are going missing, Lyssa barely needs that itch between her shoulder blades to tell her the hunters are closing in on her.
Only Lyssa has been on the run for so long that she isn't sure whom to trust. And now, she begins to realize how careless she's been.
The Characters
The Consortium is a family-run organization of beings with gifts used for power and money gained through "human trafficking and experimentation, bioterrorism, and mass murder". The a Priori is a branch of that same organization and using their gifts for material gain; I'm not sure how evil they are, but they have recently allied themselves with Dirk & Steele. Another branch of the Consortium which broke away from it sixty years ago and founded on the value of helping others and headed up by Roland.
Lyssa Andreanos is 21 now and a dragon shape-shifter whose parents were murdered by the Cruor Venator when she was 12. She's been on the run and living on the streets ever since, making her way as an artist and book illustrator. Kara Hadrada, a witch, was her mother; Allan, her father, was a dragon shifter. Estefan is/was a leopard shifter in Florida who had befriended Lyssa. A very bad idea as it turns out. Tina and Jimmy Sutabuhr are a mother and son whom Lyssa befriended and has been helping to get off the street. I do like his dog's name---Icky.
Eddie has been with Dirk and Steele for some years now. It's a relief to have backup after all those years surviving on the streets. He and Lyssa are pretty big on denying their full selves. His murdered sister was Daphne.
Lannes is a gargoyle married to Lethe, a witch (see Wild Road ). He's willing to help Eddie find Lyssa...once he's left Lethe with her family. A move he will come to regret. Even if it is to help save a girl from a coven of witches. Lethe's witch family includes Uncle Douglas who despises Lannes and wants to keep him to give to the Cruor Venator to save themselves; Morgana, Lethe's mother who intends to rip her baby out of her womb; and, Ursula Hadrada, the only one out of the eight on their side.
Serena McGillis works for the a Priori, the good half of the Consortium. Roland is broken for some reason. A psychic, he uses his gift to spot trouble ahead of time for the agency he started. But he hasn't left the house in over 10 years. Long Nu is an ancient dragon shifter allied with Dirk & Steele who sends Eddie into danger.
Albert and Mack are homeless people, neighbors of Lyssa's. Mandy and Flo are heroin addicts, homeless, and sort of friends with Lyssa. Dame Rose runs the Kosmic Klub, a hangout for the Dirk & Steele people.
The Cruor Venator is an incredibly evil being who has gained her power through drinking the blood of good people---I can see her point about not drinking from bad people, it's only bitter and nasty-tasting… Betty and Nikola are witches who serve the Cruor Venator in hopes of becoming one themselves. They delight in torturing their victims whom they kidnap through a projection of fear and drinking their blood. Malcolm Swint was scum and Eddie's mother never saw it. Not until that night the police found him. Aaron Roacher is Tina's husband. More scum who served a greater purpose by allowing Lyssa to discover more about what a good man Eddie is.
The Cover and Title
It's flaming all right! It's a beautifully gowned Lyssa in red leaning back in a field of red, yellow, and orange flames against a lilac sky.
The title is truly accurate for both Eddie and Lyssa are Within the Flames.
My Take
Whoa...intense. Between the paranormal action and the sadness of so many people living on the street, homeless, this was an excellent story. Liu presented their situation simply and mostly through the shared life experiences of Lyssa and Eddie.
It's a long process, getting Lyssa to accept Eddie's help. A very long process. One full of revelations and drama. The need to kill ever prevalent. Liu has a nice balance between Eddie and Lyssa. She wants to protect him while he refuses to leave; she wants to run and hide, but is fed up with the neverending hunt. He wants to run with Lyssa to protect her, but he also understands her decision to end it.
In between the large drama, Liu has filled out the story with the small dramas. Jimmy's contretemps with Mack over Icky's stealing his dinner. The encounter between Tina and her abusive husband. Eddie's anxiety over Swint's release from prison. Their encounters with Lannes...especially the dramatic back-and-forth with Lethe's witch family.
All while we learn the back history for both Eddie and Lyssa. Well done. Liu teased it out very nicely.
Too funny, asking the cab driver to wait 'cause they'll wanna leave fast. I just loved the cab driver's response when he learns it's a family reunion: "I'll buckle up". Oh, man, I do love what Lyssa did to Lethe's family! They deserved that and MORE.
A very odd courtship. But so appropriate for these two.
The Story
Eddie's control has shattered. It's been a year since he lost it so badly. But the news that his sister's murderer was released from prison for good behavior is enough to send anyone up in flames. Just not as literally as Eddie.
But there is no time for him to hunt down Malcolm Swint or to gain control over his fire power. There is a dragon shape-shifter in danger, hunted by the Cruor Venator, and only Eddie with his fire gift can find her, handle her.
Between Eddie and Lannes and the news that Jimmy brings her of the street people who are going missing, Lyssa barely needs that itch between her shoulder blades to tell her the hunters are closing in on her.
Only Lyssa has been on the run for so long that she isn't sure whom to trust. And now, she begins to realize how careless she's been.
The Characters
The Consortium is a family-run organization of beings with gifts used for power and money gained through "human trafficking and experimentation, bioterrorism, and mass murder". The a Priori is a branch of that same organization and using their gifts for material gain; I'm not sure how evil they are, but they have recently allied themselves with Dirk & Steele. Another branch of the Consortium which broke away from it sixty years ago and founded on the value of helping others and headed up by Roland.
Lyssa Andreanos is 21 now and a dragon shape-shifter whose parents were murdered by the Cruor Venator when she was 12. She's been on the run and living on the streets ever since, making her way as an artist and book illustrator. Kara Hadrada, a witch, was her mother; Allan, her father, was a dragon shifter. Estefan is/was a leopard shifter in Florida who had befriended Lyssa. A very bad idea as it turns out. Tina and Jimmy Sutabuhr are a mother and son whom Lyssa befriended and has been helping to get off the street. I do like his dog's name---Icky.
Eddie has been with Dirk and Steele for some years now. It's a relief to have backup after all those years surviving on the streets. He and Lyssa are pretty big on denying their full selves. His murdered sister was Daphne.
Lannes is a gargoyle married to Lethe, a witch (see Wild Road ). He's willing to help Eddie find Lyssa...once he's left Lethe with her family. A move he will come to regret. Even if it is to help save a girl from a coven of witches. Lethe's witch family includes Uncle Douglas who despises Lannes and wants to keep him to give to the Cruor Venator to save themselves; Morgana, Lethe's mother who intends to rip her baby out of her womb; and, Ursula Hadrada, the only one out of the eight on their side.
Serena McGillis works for the a Priori, the good half of the Consortium. Roland is broken for some reason. A psychic, he uses his gift to spot trouble ahead of time for the agency he started. But he hasn't left the house in over 10 years. Long Nu is an ancient dragon shifter allied with Dirk & Steele who sends Eddie into danger.
Albert and Mack are homeless people, neighbors of Lyssa's. Mandy and Flo are heroin addicts, homeless, and sort of friends with Lyssa. Dame Rose runs the Kosmic Klub, a hangout for the Dirk & Steele people.
The Cruor Venator is an incredibly evil being who has gained her power through drinking the blood of good people---I can see her point about not drinking from bad people, it's only bitter and nasty-tasting… Betty and Nikola are witches who serve the Cruor Venator in hopes of becoming one themselves. They delight in torturing their victims whom they kidnap through a projection of fear and drinking their blood. Malcolm Swint was scum and Eddie's mother never saw it. Not until that night the police found him. Aaron Roacher is Tina's husband. More scum who served a greater purpose by allowing Lyssa to discover more about what a good man Eddie is.
The Cover and Title
It's flaming all right! It's a beautifully gowned Lyssa in red leaning back in a field of red, yellow, and orange flames against a lilac sky.
The title is truly accurate for both Eddie and Lyssa are Within the Flames.
December 15, 2018
Still not in complete control of his fire power, Long Nu sends Eddie on a search and rescue mission for a young dragon shapeshifter named Lyssa who has the Cruor Venator (Blood Hunters) after her.
This takes place mostly in NYC and shows a lot of how the homeless live underground. There’s a couple of really gross scenes but it is mostly interesting and exciting. For an unwanted last book it was good.
Footnote: 1) It makes me sad that this is the last Dirk and Steele story since there are still so many great characters whose story is waiting to be told.
2) It also is a good example of how no matter what situation and/or family you start out with, you can choose what you make of yourself: good or bad.
Fave scenes: Eddie talking to Lyssa’s dragon, Eddie ‘playing’ with Aaron, facing down Lethe’s family and Lyssa’s first meal as a dragon.
This takes place mostly in NYC and shows a lot of how the homeless live underground. There’s a couple of really gross scenes but it is mostly interesting and exciting. For an unwanted last book it was good.
Footnote: 1) It makes me sad that this is the last Dirk and Steele story since there are still so many great characters whose story is waiting to be told.
2) It also is a good example of how no matter what situation and/or family you start out with, you can choose what you make of yourself: good or bad.
Fave scenes: Eddie talking to Lyssa’s dragon, Eddie ‘playing’ with Aaron, facing down Lethe’s family and Lyssa’s first meal as a dragon.
November 12, 2024
For the fifth episode of Season Seven, of the SFFRomCast, Emma and Jess were discussing books they love with the Bodyguard Trope! Emma chose Within the Flames as one of her recommendations. You can find out why here:
Podcasts: Episode Five, Season Seven
YouTube: Episode Five, Season Seven
Podcasts: Episode Five, Season Seven
YouTube: Episode Five, Season Seven
December 22, 2017
A lovely read
I am now officially in love with this series and it’s incredible writer. My only question is why on earth have I taken so long to discover this author. A poignant love story amidst some clever world building both in the world itself and the inhabitants keeps us glued to the tension of the action and the emotions of the characters. Connection is constant and fierce.
Loved every minute!
I am now officially in love with this series and it’s incredible writer. My only question is why on earth have I taken so long to discover this author. A poignant love story amidst some clever world building both in the world itself and the inhabitants keeps us glued to the tension of the action and the emotions of the characters. Connection is constant and fierce.
Loved every minute!
December 5, 2022
Great read
Really good story between Eddie and Lyssa . Good plot twists and tearful moments especially when Eddie sits down and talks with Jimmy with Jimmy saying he's there for Eddie if he needs to talk.
Really good story between Eddie and Lyssa . Good plot twists and tearful moments especially when Eddie sits down and talks with Jimmy with Jimmy saying he's there for Eddie if he needs to talk.
May 10, 2018
Finally Eddies story - and what a great one
July 25, 2023
A dragon and a dragon dependent make a good pair
Eddie has dragon blood but doesn't know it. Kara is half dragon and half witch. She is being hunted by a witch who is part demon.
Eddie has dragon blood but doesn't know it. Kara is half dragon and half witch. She is being hunted by a witch who is part demon.
March 10, 2025
Always good to return to the fine folks of Dirk & Steele. Such a lovely group of nonhumans. The story is always good with a nice twist or two. Love the characters!
July 9, 2013
Eddie and Lannes are sent to New York city, to find and protect a young woman, a girl who can control fire, a shapeshifter, a Dragon, from the Cruor Venator. A shapeshifter has asked Dirk and Steele to protect her, and now he is dead, murdered and tortured. He gave them some of her favourite places to hang out, and an old picture. Long Nu also wants them to find her, but she won’t tell why. The Cruor Venator are a truly evil kind of Witches, they steal power from blood, by killing and torturing their victims.
A girl being hunted is knowledge enough for Eddie, he will try to find her, and then protect her. His own past has come back to haunt him, and the memories are hard to live with. His own little sister died by the hand of their mothers boyfriend after she was abused for weeks. And Eddie, just a 14 year old boy back then, killed the wrong man. And now the murderer is free, out of prison again. Eddie never told his mother what he is; he just ran away from home and lived on the streets. Until Dirk and Steele found him and took him in. Now he is schooled and trained in controlling and using his powers, and he likes helping others, meeting others just as different as he is. The world is a stranger place than many people know.
His friend Lannes is a gargoyle, and especially afraid of witches after being tortured by one for centuries. But still he wants to help Eddie find this girl. And when they do see her, she flees. But it is not all that difficult for Eddie to follow her, and when she attacks him with her fire, he can withstand it, as he is fire himself as well. But the damage is enormous, and they need to get to a safe place fast. Which means Lannes’ home, and there Lannes finds out there is more to Lissa than being a dragon. She is part witch as well. And part … something else. And so he does not want her in his house anymore, even though he needs Eddies and Lissa’s help in rescuing his wife from her family. They don’t want to let her go home to him, as they think she married way beneath her. Of course they don’t know she married a gargoyle. Talk about bad inlaws!
But going to her rescue, endangers them all, as the Cruor Venator shows up on their doorstep. But together they can fight her, and win, but they need to run now, and fast.
If I would be telling you more, I would spoil too much, and I won’t do that. There are more important secondary characters in this book, and evil things happen.
Thrown together, Lissa and Eddie slowly start to share their background stories with each other, and discover they have lots in common. Of course, fire is attracted to fire as well, especially as they cannot hurt the other. Together they are a force to be reckoned with, and both are very protective of their friends, which I liked. For the first time in many years, Lissa gets to experience a bit of normal life, once she is living with Eddie, but of course that does not last long.
I am not sure I want to recommend this series. Yes, it is different and original, but it is not a fun read at all. It is a good book, a good series, very well written. But my emotions are just not very much involved in it. I think you can read it out of order, as there is not much of an overall storyline going on. I think I stopped loving this series after the sixth book or so. Of course, being a true book addict, I will probably buy the next book too, but when that one will be read?
7 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
A girl being hunted is knowledge enough for Eddie, he will try to find her, and then protect her. His own past has come back to haunt him, and the memories are hard to live with. His own little sister died by the hand of their mothers boyfriend after she was abused for weeks. And Eddie, just a 14 year old boy back then, killed the wrong man. And now the murderer is free, out of prison again. Eddie never told his mother what he is; he just ran away from home and lived on the streets. Until Dirk and Steele found him and took him in. Now he is schooled and trained in controlling and using his powers, and he likes helping others, meeting others just as different as he is. The world is a stranger place than many people know.
His friend Lannes is a gargoyle, and especially afraid of witches after being tortured by one for centuries. But still he wants to help Eddie find this girl. And when they do see her, she flees. But it is not all that difficult for Eddie to follow her, and when she attacks him with her fire, he can withstand it, as he is fire himself as well. But the damage is enormous, and they need to get to a safe place fast. Which means Lannes’ home, and there Lannes finds out there is more to Lissa than being a dragon. She is part witch as well. And part … something else. And so he does not want her in his house anymore, even though he needs Eddies and Lissa’s help in rescuing his wife from her family. They don’t want to let her go home to him, as they think she married way beneath her. Of course they don’t know she married a gargoyle. Talk about bad inlaws!
But going to her rescue, endangers them all, as the Cruor Venator shows up on their doorstep. But together they can fight her, and win, but they need to run now, and fast.
If I would be telling you more, I would spoil too much, and I won’t do that. There are more important secondary characters in this book, and evil things happen.
Thrown together, Lissa and Eddie slowly start to share their background stories with each other, and discover they have lots in common. Of course, fire is attracted to fire as well, especially as they cannot hurt the other. Together they are a force to be reckoned with, and both are very protective of their friends, which I liked. For the first time in many years, Lissa gets to experience a bit of normal life, once she is living with Eddie, but of course that does not last long.
I am not sure I want to recommend this series. Yes, it is different and original, but it is not a fun read at all. It is a good book, a good series, very well written. But my emotions are just not very much involved in it. I think you can read it out of order, as there is not much of an overall storyline going on. I think I stopped loving this series after the sixth book or so. Of course, being a true book addict, I will probably buy the next book too, but when that one will be read?
7 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
November 1, 2011
Ms. Liu returns to the world of Dirk and Steele in the 11th installment; Within the Flames. At last readers are once again given the story of a beloved originally introduced character of this superb series, instead of an unkown. I always enjoy the work of this author, but the journey is all the more rich for me, when a previous side character steps into the lead role. And Eddie has been a long time favorite.
I am extremely fascinated when an author is able to blend complexities of a fictional character so seemlessly. The unwaveringly loyal guardian to any he calls friend. The unfallibly polite agent of Dirk and Steele; who was raised by his Momma, and Grandmother...and yet hides a tragic, unforgiving past behind a blazing wall of flame. I can only begin this review of my thoughts, by stating that Eddie--this curteous and compassionate, utterly dangerous young man; with the too old eyes--was WELL worth the wait.
In addition to this long anticipated leading male, was the leading female Lyssa. Though previously unknown to the Dirk & Steele series; I found her to be a finely crafted, uniquely gifted, and yet wholly believable character. One of which only added depth, and intensified my enjoyment of this book. I loved the way M. Liu allowed us to believe we knew all of Lyssa's secrets from jump, yet continuously showed us MORE, and surprised us around every corner. It was a joy to peel pack the many layers of this multi-faceted, original (even unto the PNR genre) heroine.
Eddie and Lyssa by far emobodied all that the premise of Dirk and Steele represents. Extraordinary people, with extraordinary gifts, helping those in need under the guise of a well reknowned detective agency....and more. We learn so much more with each book how the past returns to haunt the future. A lesson Eddie and Lyssa understood well by the end of their harrowing journey.
The connection between this couple was instant, and tangible, yet in no way an easily formed bond. Past experiences, self doubt, and neccesary detachment from the world around them--in order to ensure survival--created authentic obstacles for this relationship to overcome. However, the soulmate aspect of this series, is a beautiful touch of whimsy that gives each couple a fighting chance, and makes the heart of the reader sigh in contentment upon their culmination.
No matter that this is now the eleventh novel I have read by this author, I still find myself shocked at, staggered by, and completely enthralled with the profound emotion which flows in the pages of each. This has never been, nor ever will be your typical romance series. This is not an author who is afraid to add backbone to her stories. Instead, M.Liu tests her characters repeatedly, and forces them to earn their HEA--compelling readers to stand up, and cheer them along the entire way.
I simply cannot get enough of the magic Marjorie M. Liu weaves, as she crafts each individual plot within this amazing storyarc. For me, Within the Flames was the most entertaining installment so far. Complete with a few old friends, the introduction of new one's, Roland's "expressive" and insanely humorous dialog, a well constructed mystery, suspensful danger, pulse pounding action, and a thrilling, climatic end.
Personally, I could not have asked for more, and anxiously await where this author will take us next.
Review coming soon to www.thereadingcafe.com
I am extremely fascinated when an author is able to blend complexities of a fictional character so seemlessly. The unwaveringly loyal guardian to any he calls friend. The unfallibly polite agent of Dirk and Steele; who was raised by his Momma, and Grandmother...and yet hides a tragic, unforgiving past behind a blazing wall of flame. I can only begin this review of my thoughts, by stating that Eddie--this curteous and compassionate, utterly dangerous young man; with the too old eyes--was WELL worth the wait.
In addition to this long anticipated leading male, was the leading female Lyssa. Though previously unknown to the Dirk & Steele series; I found her to be a finely crafted, uniquely gifted, and yet wholly believable character. One of which only added depth, and intensified my enjoyment of this book. I loved the way M. Liu allowed us to believe we knew all of Lyssa's secrets from jump, yet continuously showed us MORE, and surprised us around every corner. It was a joy to peel pack the many layers of this multi-faceted, original (even unto the PNR genre) heroine.
Eddie and Lyssa by far emobodied all that the premise of Dirk and Steele represents. Extraordinary people, with extraordinary gifts, helping those in need under the guise of a well reknowned detective agency....and more. We learn so much more with each book how the past returns to haunt the future. A lesson Eddie and Lyssa understood well by the end of their harrowing journey.
The connection between this couple was instant, and tangible, yet in no way an easily formed bond. Past experiences, self doubt, and neccesary detachment from the world around them--in order to ensure survival--created authentic obstacles for this relationship to overcome. However, the soulmate aspect of this series, is a beautiful touch of whimsy that gives each couple a fighting chance, and makes the heart of the reader sigh in contentment upon their culmination.
No matter that this is now the eleventh novel I have read by this author, I still find myself shocked at, staggered by, and completely enthralled with the profound emotion which flows in the pages of each. This has never been, nor ever will be your typical romance series. This is not an author who is afraid to add backbone to her stories. Instead, M.Liu tests her characters repeatedly, and forces them to earn their HEA--compelling readers to stand up, and cheer them along the entire way.
I simply cannot get enough of the magic Marjorie M. Liu weaves, as she crafts each individual plot within this amazing storyarc. For me, Within the Flames was the most entertaining installment so far. Complete with a few old friends, the introduction of new one's, Roland's "expressive" and insanely humorous dialog, a well constructed mystery, suspensful danger, pulse pounding action, and a thrilling, climatic end.
Personally, I could not have asked for more, and anxiously await where this author will take us next.
Review coming soon to www.thereadingcafe.com
December 6, 2011
Within the Flames is a story that gives new meaning to the word “combustible”–our hero and heroine literally bursting into flames on more than one occasion–but though their separate fire-related abilities might suggest their passion is one of the instant and scorching variety, we find the exact opposite to be true. Their first encounter is a but a spark between them, each subsequent page serving as a heated breath that encourages the tiny flame to grow to greater heights, and the warmth that started in our bellies when one tortured soul recognized it’s likeness in another across a crowded New York City street spreads to our extremities and eventually our hearts as we find ourselves as consumed by their relationship as they are. There’s often nothing more satisfying than a love that burns slowly, one like Lyssa and Eddie's that gives us time to feel every lick of flame created by the tension, need, and fear radiating off them as their story is seared into our memory.
Lyssa, despite being one half of a romantic pair, seems to be more of the central focus of the story, a young woman with a closet full of skeletons we get to unlock with deliciously agonizing slowness as we slide it open to examine each intriguing and sometimes horrifying element of her past one bone at a time. She seems to struggle with the fact that she’s capable of inflicting serious damage to those around her more than Eddie does, continually pushing him away when he seeks only to bring her closer. Though her reaction is more than understandable in the beginning, by the end her tendency to reject his strength, companionship, and mere presence out of ingrained habit to keep him safe becomes a touch tiresome, and we can’t help but wish she would accept and trust him as he so clearly does her. That singular flaw doesn’t hinder our enjoyment of the story overall however, as the more we know of her past the more her behavior makes sense, and our sense of kinship with her increases even as we wish she’d let Eddie past her formidable defenses.
It seems as though we don’t quite get to know Eddie as well as we do Lyssa, perhaps due in part to his overwhelming need to protect this woman who knows and understands what he’s been through in trying to control his fire; a desire that takes precedence over dwelling on his past. We get plenty of snippets of the painful history that has caused the scars on the man we see before us on the pages, but unlike Lyssa he’s had his friends and colleagues at Dirk & Steele to help him cope over the years, creating pillars of support where Lyssa’s had only abject loneliness. Though he is a bit further from our reach than Lyssa, our connection to him is still strong and thriving, and we find ourselves eternally grateful that two masters and servants of fire are able to walk from the charred remains of their pasts and into the blazing possibility of their futures.
Don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, the world of the agents of Dirk & Steele is one that’s easy to slip into and find a home, the characters darkly engaging and the little flashes of the history of the agency itself more than enough to have us running to the bookstores or our e-readers to start all over at the very beginning.
Rating: 4/5
Lyssa, despite being one half of a romantic pair, seems to be more of the central focus of the story, a young woman with a closet full of skeletons we get to unlock with deliciously agonizing slowness as we slide it open to examine each intriguing and sometimes horrifying element of her past one bone at a time. She seems to struggle with the fact that she’s capable of inflicting serious damage to those around her more than Eddie does, continually pushing him away when he seeks only to bring her closer. Though her reaction is more than understandable in the beginning, by the end her tendency to reject his strength, companionship, and mere presence out of ingrained habit to keep him safe becomes a touch tiresome, and we can’t help but wish she would accept and trust him as he so clearly does her. That singular flaw doesn’t hinder our enjoyment of the story overall however, as the more we know of her past the more her behavior makes sense, and our sense of kinship with her increases even as we wish she’d let Eddie past her formidable defenses.
It seems as though we don’t quite get to know Eddie as well as we do Lyssa, perhaps due in part to his overwhelming need to protect this woman who knows and understands what he’s been through in trying to control his fire; a desire that takes precedence over dwelling on his past. We get plenty of snippets of the painful history that has caused the scars on the man we see before us on the pages, but unlike Lyssa he’s had his friends and colleagues at Dirk & Steele to help him cope over the years, creating pillars of support where Lyssa’s had only abject loneliness. Though he is a bit further from our reach than Lyssa, our connection to him is still strong and thriving, and we find ourselves eternally grateful that two masters and servants of fire are able to walk from the charred remains of their pasts and into the blazing possibility of their futures.
Don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, the world of the agents of Dirk & Steele is one that’s easy to slip into and find a home, the characters darkly engaging and the little flashes of the history of the agency itself more than enough to have us running to the bookstores or our e-readers to start all over at the very beginning.
Rating: 4/5
September 13, 2016
It has been years since I read Dirk and Steele, and I remember enjoying the past books in the series (especially Tiger Eye). Noticing this appears to be the final Dirk and Steele, I decided to give it a try. The novel begins with the violent killing of a group of sorority girls used as sacrifices for power by two witches, Betty and Nikola. The story moves to NYC, where we meet the tortured Eddie who is trying to move beyond his tragic childhood and control his tendency to explode into fire. He is given an assignment by Roland, head of Dirk and Steele, to find and protect Lysse. Ten years ago, Lysse's parents were killed by the Cruor Venator. head evil witch of the world. The Cruor Venator and her witchlings, Betty and Nikola, have been hunting for Lysse ever since the murders. Lysse is a shape shifter / witch and ... something else.. who has been stuck in mid shift since the murder and also has trouble controlling her tendency to burst into flames. A perfect match, isn't it? The story moves through long drawn out passages of talking then murder, then talking and more murders. We meet more characters from previous books, but honestly I don't remember their stories anymore since it has been so long. Fortunately, this didn't distract from the story for the most part but a few of the scenes felt forced to me (the "meet and greet" of Lethe's family??). I wish I could say I loved this story - it has a ton of rave reviews- but nothing clicked for me. We are told Eddie and Lysse "were fated to be soul mates" and Lysse had "visions of Eddie" in her dreams, and that is the basis for their attraction and love. However, I never felt the attraction or love. Also, Liu's writing didn't work for me and this story brought back how choppy she writes: "Even though she wanted to, more than anything. The compulsion unnerved her. So did her dragon's words, still rattling around her head. Crazy words. No way she was right. Like hell. That big lizard was insane." While her writing fits comics, I found it distracting rather than stream of consciousness.
July 19, 2011
Their fire is both beautiful and destructive...but they are perfect together!
Eddie hasn't ever had an easy life but since being found by Dirk & Steele it has gotten better. He's been in control of his fire for a long time but due to recent events that control has been pretty much wiped out and he finds himself in a loosing battle against it until he receives an assignment that he alone can accomplish. Sent to New York in search of a woman who is being hunted by the worst kind of being he's faced with not only a beautiful dragon shifter but also an incredibly beautiful yet extremely lonely woman who gets him like no one ever could.
Alyssa has been alone and hiding for a long time, only coming out when she has to. She doesn't want to be close to anyone, doesn't want to need anyone, yet when she meets Eddie she has an incredible need to be with him, a need that terrifies her. She's been hunted for so long that it's all she knows. She trusts only few people and still that trust wasn't very strong to begin with. When Eddie finds her her only instinct is to run but he won't allow that, so instead of running she does everything she can to hide herself from him.
Together they face an enemy that very few have defeated in the past, almost all who come across this enemy die a horrible death. Doing it together they find they have a chance to fight and maybe just maybe to live happily after but first they have to fight their own battles, internal and external. Can they trust each other enough to survive?
I don't know where to start! This series is one of the best series I've ever read and I can say without a doubt will always be a favorite of mine. This book is the 11th installment and one of the best if you ask me! Liu's characters are fascinating, you can tell she puts a lot of thought into them and their stories. Eddie has been a great character since he was introduced into the series and I've been patiently waiting for him to have his turn and I am so thankful it's finally come! If anyone deserves happiness, it's Eddie. He lived a hard life full of pain and sorrow which makes him a perfect match for Lyssa who has also lived a tragic life. Lyssa is such a beautiful person inside and out and seeing her come to terms with herself was a beautiful thing. I cried more than I'd like to admit throughout the whole book but I wouldn't change anything about it. It was such a beautiful story! If you like shifters, you'll love this book (and the series) and if you love paranormal romance you'll love this book. It has everything and more!!! I can not wait until the next book!! I have my hopes on who it may be about but I'll keep that to myself because I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't turn out to be who I want. Anyways, I'll read it no matter what because this series is just that damn good! I do suggest you start with book one and work your way to this one so can get the full effect! I give this book 5 Stars, and would give it more if I had more to give.
Eddie hasn't ever had an easy life but since being found by Dirk & Steele it has gotten better. He's been in control of his fire for a long time but due to recent events that control has been pretty much wiped out and he finds himself in a loosing battle against it until he receives an assignment that he alone can accomplish. Sent to New York in search of a woman who is being hunted by the worst kind of being he's faced with not only a beautiful dragon shifter but also an incredibly beautiful yet extremely lonely woman who gets him like no one ever could.
Alyssa has been alone and hiding for a long time, only coming out when she has to. She doesn't want to be close to anyone, doesn't want to need anyone, yet when she meets Eddie she has an incredible need to be with him, a need that terrifies her. She's been hunted for so long that it's all she knows. She trusts only few people and still that trust wasn't very strong to begin with. When Eddie finds her her only instinct is to run but he won't allow that, so instead of running she does everything she can to hide herself from him.
Together they face an enemy that very few have defeated in the past, almost all who come across this enemy die a horrible death. Doing it together they find they have a chance to fight and maybe just maybe to live happily after but first they have to fight their own battles, internal and external. Can they trust each other enough to survive?
I don't know where to start! This series is one of the best series I've ever read and I can say without a doubt will always be a favorite of mine. This book is the 11th installment and one of the best if you ask me! Liu's characters are fascinating, you can tell she puts a lot of thought into them and their stories. Eddie has been a great character since he was introduced into the series and I've been patiently waiting for him to have his turn and I am so thankful it's finally come! If anyone deserves happiness, it's Eddie. He lived a hard life full of pain and sorrow which makes him a perfect match for Lyssa who has also lived a tragic life. Lyssa is such a beautiful person inside and out and seeing her come to terms with herself was a beautiful thing. I cried more than I'd like to admit throughout the whole book but I wouldn't change anything about it. It was such a beautiful story! If you like shifters, you'll love this book (and the series) and if you love paranormal romance you'll love this book. It has everything and more!!! I can not wait until the next book!! I have my hopes on who it may be about but I'll keep that to myself because I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't turn out to be who I want. Anyways, I'll read it no matter what because this series is just that damn good! I do suggest you start with book one and work your way to this one so can get the full effect! I give this book 5 Stars, and would give it more if I had more to give.
January 10, 2012
It's been a long time since I've read a book in the Dirk and Steele series and yet, when I picked this one up I immediately remembered who the characters were and what was going on in the overall plot. I think I even missed a book (the one right before this one) and I had no issues getting into the story.
This is definitely one of the series that isn't as widely known or talked about but I'm not sure why. I think it's really unique and Liu tells a good story. Maybe the problem was with the first book which was a little hard to get into, but each book since then has gotten better.
The main character in this one was Eddie who we met in a previous book. He is emotionally and physically scarred from his life (which obviously has been no picnic for him) and he is having trouble controlling his fire ability. When he's asked to go to NY to find and rescue a girl who is being hunted by blood witches he feels compelled to go. He feels a need to help her because he's reminded of his own sister who died and he couldn't do anything to help her. So off he goes to help a virtual stranger who doesn't even want to be helped. Speaking of, this woman's name is Lyssa and she has many secrets and reasons for hiding out in the tunnels underneath NYC. When she sees Eddie she's surprised because he looks like the man that's been haunting her dreams. When Eddie finally catches up with her, he manages to convince her that he's there to help and the two try to figure out a way to stop the blood witches from killing more innocent people around the city. It sounds so easy and yet it definitely wasn't simple or easy for either of them. They were both damaged people and it was nice to watch them find solace in each other.
I liked the plot, it kept me interested and wanting to turn the pages but what really kept me involved was the relationship between Lissa and Eddie. It's not common to have two main characters who are so damaged and broken in different ways. Eddie was definitely a tortured hero. But to see the two try to come to terms with each other and realize that they could in fact be happy was great. I also really liked Lyssa. Sometimes she annoyed me with her constant self recriminations but for the most part, she was a level headed chick. She also is a bad-ass shifter!
All in all, good edition to the series and I encourage those who haven't read any yet to give it a try. And if the first book throws you a little, try out the second book just to be sure!
This is definitely one of the series that isn't as widely known or talked about but I'm not sure why. I think it's really unique and Liu tells a good story. Maybe the problem was with the first book which was a little hard to get into, but each book since then has gotten better.
The main character in this one was Eddie who we met in a previous book. He is emotionally and physically scarred from his life (which obviously has been no picnic for him) and he is having trouble controlling his fire ability. When he's asked to go to NY to find and rescue a girl who is being hunted by blood witches he feels compelled to go. He feels a need to help her because he's reminded of his own sister who died and he couldn't do anything to help her. So off he goes to help a virtual stranger who doesn't even want to be helped. Speaking of, this woman's name is Lyssa and she has many secrets and reasons for hiding out in the tunnels underneath NYC. When she sees Eddie she's surprised because he looks like the man that's been haunting her dreams. When Eddie finally catches up with her, he manages to convince her that he's there to help and the two try to figure out a way to stop the blood witches from killing more innocent people around the city. It sounds so easy and yet it definitely wasn't simple or easy for either of them. They were both damaged people and it was nice to watch them find solace in each other.
I liked the plot, it kept me interested and wanting to turn the pages but what really kept me involved was the relationship between Lissa and Eddie. It's not common to have two main characters who are so damaged and broken in different ways. Eddie was definitely a tortured hero. But to see the two try to come to terms with each other and realize that they could in fact be happy was great. I also really liked Lyssa. Sometimes she annoyed me with her constant self recriminations but for the most part, she was a level headed chick. She also is a bad-ass shifter!
All in all, good edition to the series and I encourage those who haven't read any yet to give it a try. And if the first book throws you a little, try out the second book just to be sure!
September 15, 2013
Living with the pain of having his sister murdered and in revenge having killed the wrong man, the hero keeps his distance from everyone around him. He's barely in control of his frightening abilities with fire. But when his boss brings him a case where a shape shifting girl is being hunted- he instantly knows he'll do everything in his power to save her.
The heroine has been running most of her life. She's running from the witches that are hunting her for her powers. She's running from her own powers. She's running from the dragon inside of her. So when the handsome hero shows up saying he's been sent to protect her, it's no surprise when she runs from him as well. But the problem is, he's chasing her.
In each other, they find a deep rooted connection in their loneliness, their feels of remorse and cowardice and the hope-however slight-of having someone else understand them. The hero realizes that she owns him from the first second she turns those golden eyes his way. Lock stock and barrel, he's a goner. The heroine fights everything tooth and nail. She's very distrusting of everything, but mainly of herself. She's stuck in a half shift and lives in constant pain. But the fact that she's being hunted by the feared blood witches, is the main reason she pushes everyone away.
This stubbornness lasted the entire book, sometimes she'll falter and allow the hero in but just as quickly those walls go right back up. The hero is honest when saying if she were anyone else, he would have left her and issues far behind long ago. But no matter how much she irritates him, or keeps him at arms length, there's nothing she or anyone else can say that would make him give up on her.
I love this author. I don't think there's any other author in my library that has this writing style. Paranormal realism with such heart. Each and every character in this whole series is something whom you can relate to in some way or another.
The hero. tormented with his guilt and memories is given the chance to be the hero, to help another tormented soul and gain some understanding and peace with himself in the process. God, the way he spoke to that kid after he and his mother were attack really torn at the heart strings. And the heroine who is such a powerhouse with the her inner dragon and her witch side but too afraid to use either.
Until the hero shows her that it isn't going to just go away. She must take back her life, accepting herself and facing her demons.
Lovely book but a go-to author. Guaranteed to be a knockout.
The heroine has been running most of her life. She's running from the witches that are hunting her for her powers. She's running from her own powers. She's running from the dragon inside of her. So when the handsome hero shows up saying he's been sent to protect her, it's no surprise when she runs from him as well. But the problem is, he's chasing her.
In each other, they find a deep rooted connection in their loneliness, their feels of remorse and cowardice and the hope-however slight-of having someone else understand them. The hero realizes that she owns him from the first second she turns those golden eyes his way. Lock stock and barrel, he's a goner. The heroine fights everything tooth and nail. She's very distrusting of everything, but mainly of herself. She's stuck in a half shift and lives in constant pain. But the fact that she's being hunted by the feared blood witches, is the main reason she pushes everyone away.
This stubbornness lasted the entire book, sometimes she'll falter and allow the hero in but just as quickly those walls go right back up. The hero is honest when saying if she were anyone else, he would have left her and issues far behind long ago. But no matter how much she irritates him, or keeps him at arms length, there's nothing she or anyone else can say that would make him give up on her.
I love this author. I don't think there's any other author in my library that has this writing style. Paranormal realism with such heart. Each and every character in this whole series is something whom you can relate to in some way or another.
The hero. tormented with his guilt and memories is given the chance to be the hero, to help another tormented soul and gain some understanding and peace with himself in the process. God, the way he spoke to that kid after he and his mother were attack really torn at the heart strings. And the heroine who is such a powerhouse with the her inner dragon and her witch side but too afraid to use either.
Until the hero shows her that it isn't going to just go away. She must take back her life, accepting herself and facing her demons.
Lovely book but a go-to author. Guaranteed to be a knockout.
December 3, 2011
This is the 11th book in the Dirk & Steele series and the first one that I have read. It won't be the last. I thought the book was filled with interesting characters and had a nice combination of danger and romance. The main characters are Eddie and Lyssa.
Eddie is an employee of Dirk & Steele. He is a prone to bursting into flame when stressed. So being in control is very important to him. He ran away from home at age 13 after he killed a man who had killed his sister. The man was the brother of his stepfather - the same stepfather who was abusing both Eddie and his sister. Actually, Eddie was aiming for his stepfather but his rage was so out of control that the fire hit the brother instead. This led to him spending years on the street and honing his skills as a car thief and learning to control his fire. Now, he works at Dirk & Steele to protect people who need him.
Lyssa has also been on the streets since she was 12. She is on the run from the evil witch who killed her parents and wants to either kill or convert her. She has been hiding in New York City. She has been afraid to make friends or really get to know anyone because they would become a target for the witch who is searching for her. She has become an artist and author but does all her communication through email.She is also in hiding because the trauma of seeing her parents killed has caused one of her arms to shift to her dragon form and it is stuck there. See, Lyssa is part dragon (on her father's side) and part witch (on her mother's side).
The witch who is after her is Cruor Venator - that is a witch who is part demon and completely evil. They find joy in torturing people slowly to death and drinking their blood and eating their flesh. They are also able to spread a sense of absolute terror wherever they go. It was thought that the last Cruor Venator had been killed but now she is active again and has started a killing spree. And, it takes another Cruor Venator to kill her.
Lyssa and Eddie have to battle through his determination to protect her and her determination to drive him away so that she can protect him. They also have to deal with the trauma they both experienced as children. And, by the way, they have to find a way to defeat the Cruor Venator.
I found the writing style engaging and the plot fast moving. I liked the exploration of Eddie and Lyssa's emotions as they fall in love. This was a very engaging story.
Eddie is an employee of Dirk & Steele. He is a prone to bursting into flame when stressed. So being in control is very important to him. He ran away from home at age 13 after he killed a man who had killed his sister. The man was the brother of his stepfather - the same stepfather who was abusing both Eddie and his sister. Actually, Eddie was aiming for his stepfather but his rage was so out of control that the fire hit the brother instead. This led to him spending years on the street and honing his skills as a car thief and learning to control his fire. Now, he works at Dirk & Steele to protect people who need him.
Lyssa has also been on the streets since she was 12. She is on the run from the evil witch who killed her parents and wants to either kill or convert her. She has been hiding in New York City. She has been afraid to make friends or really get to know anyone because they would become a target for the witch who is searching for her. She has become an artist and author but does all her communication through email.She is also in hiding because the trauma of seeing her parents killed has caused one of her arms to shift to her dragon form and it is stuck there. See, Lyssa is part dragon (on her father's side) and part witch (on her mother's side).
The witch who is after her is Cruor Venator - that is a witch who is part demon and completely evil. They find joy in torturing people slowly to death and drinking their blood and eating their flesh. They are also able to spread a sense of absolute terror wherever they go. It was thought that the last Cruor Venator had been killed but now she is active again and has started a killing spree. And, it takes another Cruor Venator to kill her.
Lyssa and Eddie have to battle through his determination to protect her and her determination to drive him away so that she can protect him. They also have to deal with the trauma they both experienced as children. And, by the way, they have to find a way to defeat the Cruor Venator.
I found the writing style engaging and the plot fast moving. I liked the exploration of Eddie and Lyssa's emotions as they fall in love. This was a very engaging story.
October 5, 2021
Positief eerst: dit was een bovengemiddeld goed Dirk & Steele-boek. De cover toont voor één keer een personage dat een beetje lijkt op iemand die écht in het boek voorkomt: Lyssa is een shapeshifter die een draak kan worden maar toen ze twaalf was en een boze heks haar ouders vermoordde, is haar ene arm in draakvorm blijven steken.
Negatief, om er van af te zijn: dit is het laatste boek in de Dirk & Steele-reeks, maar het is hoegenaamd geen einde. Al de dingen die in de achtergrond geteased werden, van cosmic horror en overnemen van de wereld door demonen en vechtingen tussen families, daar wordt precies niéts van geresolved.
Maar bon. Lyssa is dus al sinds haar twaalf jaar op de vlucht voor die boze heks. Ze vertrouwt bijna niemand en als op een bepaald moment één van de weinige mensen die ze wel vertrouwt besluit om Dirk & Steele te vragen haar te helpen, ziet ze dat uiteraard niet zitten.
De persoon die naar haar gestuurd is, is Eddie, die al in een reeks vorige boeken sympathiek is komen doen: hij kan vuur maken in allerlei vormen. Sinds een accident in het oerwoud in een vorige boek waar hij eigenlijk dood had moeten zijn, heeft hij veelk meer kracht maar verliest hij ook soms alle controle. Hij heeft ook een verleden waarbij hij heel zijn jeugd op de vlucht en thuisloos was.
Ze worden onvermijdelijk stapelverliefd op mekaar, hebben veel seks, en op het einde is er een happy end en gaan ze trouwen en voor eeuwig bij elkaar blijven.
Beter dan gemiddeld, maar wel kwaad dat er geen vervolg meer is.
Negatief, om er van af te zijn: dit is het laatste boek in de Dirk & Steele-reeks, maar het is hoegenaamd geen einde. Al de dingen die in de achtergrond geteased werden, van cosmic horror en overnemen van de wereld door demonen en vechtingen tussen families, daar wordt precies niéts van geresolved.
Maar bon. Lyssa is dus al sinds haar twaalf jaar op de vlucht voor die boze heks. Ze vertrouwt bijna niemand en als op een bepaald moment één van de weinige mensen die ze wel vertrouwt besluit om Dirk & Steele te vragen haar te helpen, ziet ze dat uiteraard niet zitten.
De persoon die naar haar gestuurd is, is Eddie, die al in een reeks vorige boeken sympathiek is komen doen: hij kan vuur maken in allerlei vormen. Sinds een accident in het oerwoud in een vorige boek waar hij eigenlijk dood had moeten zijn, heeft hij veelk meer kracht maar verliest hij ook soms alle controle. Hij heeft ook een verleden waarbij hij heel zijn jeugd op de vlucht en thuisloos was.
Ze worden onvermijdelijk stapelverliefd op mekaar, hebben veel seks, en op het einde is er een happy end en gaan ze trouwen en voor eeuwig bij elkaar blijven.
Beter dan gemiddeld, maar wel kwaad dat er geen vervolg meer is.
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