She's drowning in grief, her magic forgotten. He's trying to stop the carnage. Can they find a way back to each other before vampires wreak more havoc?
In the wake of last semester's tragic events, Lila is devastated. Nothing matters anymore, not after what happened. Not school. Not her friends. Not her confusing powers. Even handsome crush Gabe can't break through her haze. All she can do is survive. And she can barely do that.
Determined to stop the vampires stalking Eversfield Academy, Gabe is getting trained for his visions at last. He's also leading the Eversfield Cell of vampire hunters in patrols that keep his fellow students safe. He's investigating last semester's vampire attack and magical assault. He's helping Lila recover any way he can, even if that's only as a friend.
But a trap awaits the vampire hunters. The vampires and their magic-wielding allies have gathered together. They prepare to launch an attack for the history books, one that will send Gabe and the other vampire hunters spinning into chaos. Can Lila and Gabe stop the attack before it starts?
A Brush with Fire is the fourth book in The Vampire Hunters of Eversfield Academy YA paranormal fantasy series. If you like brave heroines overcoming the odds, page-turning supernatural suspense, and emotional slow-burn romance, then you'll love Betsy Flak's bewitching novel.
Buy A Brush with Fire to incinerate your enemies today!
Note: This series was previously called The Clan-Vampire Clash.
Hi! I’m Betsy Flak, author of The Eversfield Academy Vampire Hunters book series.
Hmm, what to say about myself? Well, I’m reader too, so let’s start there.
I love fantasy books with a love story. The more magic, the more action, the more heart-stopping moments that make me go “Squeeeee!” the better.
I love books with twists and turns, especially when I can only see those twists and turns coming upon a reread (and when I do see those twists and turns coming upon a reread).
And I’m a sucker for forbidden love. Something about those characters fighting their way to each other over and over (and over and over) keeps me turning the pages.
So, that’s what I put into my own books. Lots of drama and action and magic and forbidden love that’s more an epic love story than strict romance (and only sweet romance here).
And of course, I love plotting those twists and turns, then adding a little trail of breadcrumbs throughout my books (and my exclusive VIP-reader shorts!) hinting at what’s to come for those reading closely.
So, that’s who I am as a reader and a writer, but what about as a person?
Well, I’m a mom to one dog and one human child. I’m a wife to one devoted, incredibly supportive husband.
And I’m a roller derby player. Which helps with writing those hunter-versus-vampire action scenes. ;)
In my free time (after all that’s taken care of, so yeah, there’s not a ton of it), I love curling up on the couch with the family and watching TV or reading a good book. Usually fantasy on both counts and occasionally sci-fi. I also love a good dramedy on TV.
Oh and I love singing to my favorite songs at the top of my lungs, almost always off-key.
Currently, I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I’ve also lived in or near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Boulder, Colorado; and Los Angeles, California. Someday, I hope to try my hand at living outside the US!
This is book four of the Vampire Hunters of Eversfield Academy and continues with the lives of Lila, Gabe and their friends and enemies. Lila is having to deal with the death of a close friend at the end of last term and has had all of the winter break to try and come to terms with it. But for her, coming to terms with it has left her closed off and drowning in grief. She feels she isn’t worthy of living her life, as she should have died instead of her friend. She can’t remember what happened during the tragic events of that devastating night and that is making it harder to make sense of what happened and why. Nothing matters to her anymore, school, her grades, studying, friends, or even a possible relationship with Gabe. She’s barely keeping it together and you can’t call that surviving.
Gabe is back in his role as head of the Eversfield vampire hunter group, wanting even more to do away with the group of vampires that are hunting around the academy and putting Lila and others in danger. He wants all those responsible to be personally hunted and killed by him. He wants vengeance! He wants to do extra patrols, but his second in command has had to take the lead, while Gabe gets training in his visions and has to take a step back, as he is too close to what is happening with Lila. All he can do for Lila, and all she will accept from him, is to be as good a friend as he can for her. Nothing else matters to him, but keeping her safe.
The main leader of the group of vampires hounding the Eversfield Academy, Duncan, has huge plans and wants to take down the head of the Bureau of Vampire Hunters in Philly. Kane who was put in charge of a small group that was to take down Gabe’s group of hunters is called back to Philly and fears that her leader is going to replace her and put her down, for her failures in Eversfield. The vampire leader has magic wielding allies and one so powerful, none can defeat, who he is going to use to launch an attack against the heads of the Hunters top people. It will be the biggest attack in their history and will throw the Hunter organisation and its many arms, into total chaos.
A new vision by Gabe, whilst out of the Academy grounds for a heart to heart with Lila, ends in almost disaster as he collapses during his vision and a possible attack by dangerous foes and what to do almost paralyses Lila, so soon after the events of last semester. Only a desperate call to marina, Gabe’s younger sister and Lila’s roommate, gains them the help they need. Gabe needs to discuss this latest vision with his vison mentor as soon as he can, but they may be too late. Have the events of his vision already happened? Or are they in the future and still to occur, as in all his previous visions?
A lot of heart searching happens in this episode of the series, especially after last terms tragic events and the toll it takes on all those involved. Marina is left trying to research a link in the history of the Hunters, for anything to explain the link between Lila and Gabe. Gabe is left trying to help Lila in any way she will let him, whilst holding back on his own emotions. He has to learn more about his visions and how they affect him. If he is on a hunt when the next one hits, he may endanger the others with him. Lots of soul-searching, but still a good share of action and magic. Adara is a complex character to ponder over. Where her powers come from and who may be able to defeat her, is yet to be discovered. Lots more to come in this series and I can’t wait to read some more. Highly recommend this easy to read and fascinating mix of academy, vampires and vampire hunting, as well as a touch of burgeoning romance. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She's drowning in grief, her magic forgotten. He's trying to stop the carnage. Can they find a way back to each other before vampires wreak more havoc? In the wake of last semester's tragic events, Lila is devastated. Nothing matters anymore, not after what happened. Not school. Not her friends. Not her confusing powers. Even handsome crush Gabe can't break through her haze. All she can do is survive. And she can barely do that. Determined to stop the vampires stalking Eversfield Academy, Gabe is getting trained for his visions at last. He's also leading the Eversfield Cell of vampire hunters in patrols that keep his fellow students safe. He's investigating last semester's vampire attack and magical assault. He's helping Lila recover any way he can, even if that's only as a friend. But a trap awaits the vampire hunters. The vampires and their magic-wielding allies have gathered together. They prepare to launch an attack for the history books, one that will send Gabe and the other vampire hunters spinning into chaos. Can Lila and Gabe stop the attack before it starts? A Brush with Fire is the fourth book in The Vampire Hunters of Eversfield Academy YA paranormal fantasy series.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
ONE FAST PACED BLOCK BUSTER!!! Wicked! Betsy unleashes this beautifully composed wonder, breaking out the heavy artillery, loaded for bear, rocking this riveting storyline and gripping plot, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Vexing mishaps and baffling circumstances, blasts those churning emotions into play, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, booting this gem into a tempest, bursting it into a frenzy with a life-altering realization. Rolling with the drama, intrigue, turmoil, underlying threats, secrets, danger, confusion, spiraling suspense and nerve racking situations, along with a boatload of revelations while dodging disaster, you have one intoxicating masterpiece. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, riding roughshod and imparting one block busting delight, launching this baby to a whole new level. One non-stop, action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, kicking this baby into overdrive, ratcheting up the thrill of the hunt. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely approachable personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Awesome job Betsy, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Lila and Gabe are trying to move on after the death of Val. High school is hard enough without all the paranormal antics. The story is entertaining and engaging with the several side stories going on. I really enjoy how the characters are growing as the story progresses. I don’t enjoy the cliffhanger ending. As the fourth story in this series, it cannot be read as a stand alone story, only as a chapter I the life of the characters. Highly recommended story. I was given an advanced copy to read.
A quick moving storyline. Lila is going through a lot of pain and confusion. Will she stay away from Gabe and give up on happiness? Will she choose to be with Gabe and try to be happy? Will good prevail or evil? Will they be able to protect those who need it? This story has many twists and turns. Unpredictable and unexpected revelations. Where will this road lead them? I received ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.
This is the 4th book in the Eversfield series. After losing her best friend, it seems as if Lila may never be happy. But she realizes she shouldn't push Gabe away. All the while Gabe starts his visions again. Which is where it gets exciting! There were times I had to make sure I didn't skip ahead since I was so excited to see what was going to happen. More questions are being answered, but more questions come up! A great read!
The battle between The Bureau and The Indestructible is heating up as is the relationship between Gabe and Lila. The former produces significant tension in the story. The later brings a bit of delight. Personally, I look forward to more delight and less tension.
An Excitingly Emotional Read! “A Brush with Fire” is the perfect addition to the Vampire Hunters of Eversfield Academy series. Well-written and fast-paced, this tale is more emotionally moving and exciting than the previous books. This book with well worth the read. I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
From page one I found myself reading faster and faster! The action between hunters and vampires, Lila and Gabe, and all the other fantastic characters Betsy Flak created was so exciting! I loved the dialogue and the emotions. Both were very realistic. This book truly captures Lila’s strength and the lengths Gabe will go to for her protection. A truly marvellous story in this series.
Lila lived. Somehow she must learn to forgive herself for that, because her dear friend didn't.
This book deals with so many things a person has to take on board growing up in the real world, even one without vampires and mage-warriors. The maturing Lila achieves by the end is well handled and satisfying.
Her best friend is gone. Does she beat herself up over it or carry on, especially when she was just getting to know Gabe. Love, suspense, vampires, spells, oh my. That is all included in this book. Cliff hanger at the end. Again, can't wait to read what's next.
This series just keeps getting better and better! It’s well written and once started I easily get lost and fall into the story. Vampires, magic, pain and confusion, a gripping storyline and excellent characters, I totally recommend that you start with book one cause you will not be disappointed!
Best friends, trusted friends, boyfriends. It all seems to be happening for Lila, but then things go off the rail, then back on track even better. I cannot wait for the 5th book.
Absolutely entertainment splendor!!. I literally could not put the book down. It is definitely at the top of my recommended reading list for my family and friends!
Here we are, book 4 of the series and it just keeps getting better! Betsy Flak is a talented writer and this series is both well-written and super engrossing. As in the past books, we get inside the minds of a few different characters. Lila, a seemingly normal teenager, is the main central character, but we also get inside the minds of vampire hunters, people with magical powers who work with the vampire hunters, and the vampires themselves. The multiple perspectives is really interesting and helps you fully understand the world and the stories. In this book, each of the characters reaches a new milestone in their personal "mission" - whether it's a new relationship, exploring a new talent, or staging an attack on powerful enemies. The book ends with just enough of a cliff-hanger to get you excited for book 5!
I don't want to reveal too much more to avoid spoilers, so just read the book already! And make sure you start with book 1 (or the prequel to get even more insight into the characters!) If you're a fan of YA, you'll enjoy this series. You're welcome.