Prophecy, betrayal, revenge and destiny collide …
DISCLAIMER: I was given a copy of this book by the author (via Goodreads/Shut Up and Read/Read It And Reap) in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
ADVISORY: This book contains mature, adult situations and dialogue.
Synopsis:
Jade (aka Blaze) and Lexi -- are adoptive sisters, working as Talon Enforcers -- the law enforcement of the magical world known as the “Realm of the Fair”. They are survivors of a Scourge attack, and along with their adoptive brothers, they try to keep order, as well as respond to ongoing attacks from the Scourge. They receive their orders from their adoptive father, Maximus Reign (aka "The Reign of Terror"), and Jade receives additional guidance and direction from Castian Larethan, the Fae god of gods, who gives her access to some pretty nifty magical powers.
Unfortunately, Jade hasn't had the best of luck with her love life. Her last boyfriend, Samuel (a Scottish wizard), dumped her. But things change when Jade and Lexi are sent on a diplomatic mission to issue a pardon to the Highborne Elves. They need the assistance of three Highbornes -- Galan, Tham, and Aust, who are currently on their Ambar Lenn (Fate's Journey) -- in order to complete their assignment. Once their task is successfully completed, the Highborne Elves will be reinstated in the Realm with full honor restored to them.
Sparks fly between Galan and Jade from the get-go, and try as they might to fight it, they are drawn to one another. But it is quite the challenge considering their differing views on the roles of women in society (especially warrior women), as well as the fact that the Highbornes have been isolated for 8000 years and are not current with the Modern Realm (aka the human world). In addition, they are opposed to magic, since the misuse of magical powers was what caused their banishment. However, over time, the Highbornes find it hard to deny the latent powers they possess, and soon come to respect and rely on Jade's talent for healing.
The story takes our merry band on a variety of adventures in the Highborne lands, Haven, and other parts of the Realm of the Fair, as well as visits to the Modern Realm (mostly Canada, eh). We are introduced to interesting characters along the way, as well as plot twists involving prophecy, betrayal, revenge, bloodlines, and destiny. Plus the bad guys -- The Scourge -- drop by and cause mayhem.
Comments:
I thought “Blaze Ignites” was pretty darn good. No, it was *really* good. Overall, I felt that it had an interesting storyline, the dialogue is smart and sassy, and the characters and locations are detailed and richly developed. (I ran across some minor errors in grammar and punctuation, but that happens.)
I enjoyed reading the book, and look forward to the next one in the series. (There are several major and minor characters that are worthy of spinoffs.)