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Slayers #5
Slayers: Into the Firestorm: Jesse Version
Praise for the Slayers series
“More than a worthy equal of the works of Rick Riordan or Christopher Paolini.” ―Booklist
“Part urban fantasy, part superhero tale, this adventure is full of action, drama, and humor, with just a touch of romance.”―Publishers Weekly Online
“The mix of fantasy, dragons, superpowers, and romantic drama will have wide appeal to many readers.”―School Library Journal
“ Friends and Traitors is a dragon-slaying, romantic adventure.”―Deseret News
The attacks on the nation have begun. As city after city falls, Tori Hampton and the rest of the Slayers are powerless to stop Overdrake, his dragons, or the EMP they employ. And what’s worse, Overdrake’s son, Dirk, is no longer an ally. He’s an enemy who knows the Slayer’s tactics, plays, and weaknesses. This is doubly hard on Tori because he's her counterpart and she doesn’t want to destroy him or the dragons. Her feelings are a liability—but how does a person stop feeling things they shouldn’t?
If Tori could control her feelings, she would reign in the ones she had for her ex-boyfriend, Jesse. He's the other Slayer team’s captain and is tall, dark, and doing his best to ignore her.
The Slayers must find a way to stop Overdrake, and their lives aren’t the only ones at stake.
In C. J. Hill's action-packed conclusion to the Slayers series, readers will find humor, romance, and a group of teens who won't give up without a fight. Sit down, ignore your chores and enjoy fighting dragons!
★★★★★ "If you've been waiting for all the books to be out before starting this series, wait no more! So great!"—Tiana Smith, author of YA romantic comedy ★★★★★ "I’m sad to see this series come to an end. I have loved every book!"—DMann, Amazon reader ★★★★★ "I've never read a Janette Rallison/C J Hill/ Sierra St James (all the same author) book a didn't enjoy."— Kayleen, Amazon reader ★★★★★ "Every word she writes is perfect!"—The author's mom
“More than a worthy equal of the works of Rick Riordan or Christopher Paolini.” ―Booklist
“Part urban fantasy, part superhero tale, this adventure is full of action, drama, and humor, with just a touch of romance.”―Publishers Weekly Online
“The mix of fantasy, dragons, superpowers, and romantic drama will have wide appeal to many readers.”―School Library Journal
“ Friends and Traitors is a dragon-slaying, romantic adventure.”―Deseret News
The attacks on the nation have begun. As city after city falls, Tori Hampton and the rest of the Slayers are powerless to stop Overdrake, his dragons, or the EMP they employ. And what’s worse, Overdrake’s son, Dirk, is no longer an ally. He’s an enemy who knows the Slayer’s tactics, plays, and weaknesses. This is doubly hard on Tori because he's her counterpart and she doesn’t want to destroy him or the dragons. Her feelings are a liability—but how does a person stop feeling things they shouldn’t?
If Tori could control her feelings, she would reign in the ones she had for her ex-boyfriend, Jesse. He's the other Slayer team’s captain and is tall, dark, and doing his best to ignore her.
The Slayers must find a way to stop Overdrake, and their lives aren’t the only ones at stake.
In C. J. Hill's action-packed conclusion to the Slayers series, readers will find humor, romance, and a group of teens who won't give up without a fight. Sit down, ignore your chores and enjoy fighting dragons!
★★★★★ "If you've been waiting for all the books to be out before starting this series, wait no more! So great!"—Tiana Smith, author of YA romantic comedy ★★★★★ "I’m sad to see this series come to an end. I have loved every book!"—DMann, Amazon reader ★★★★★ "I've never read a Janette Rallison/C J Hill/ Sierra St James (all the same author) book a didn't enjoy."— Kayleen, Amazon reader ★★★★★ "Every word she writes is perfect!"—The author's mom
349 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2019
23 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Hill
23 books376 followersC.J. Hill is the pseudonym for a popular young adult author who makes her fantasy debut with Slayers.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 30, 2019
I started this series when the first 3 books were already out and was instantly hooked. I’ve had to wait for years to get this final book but it was well worth the wait!!! I immediately called my mom to tell her the good news when I saw that it had come out!
Also, before I go into the review, just know that at the very end of the book, the author (who happens to be a favorite of mine and oh so funny) wrote a synopsis refresher for those of us that might have forgotten some parts.
Ok, back to the review...this book perfectly tied up all the loose strings of all the many, many characters. Haha I don’t know how she did it, but she did. There was action, romance, and humor. After all these years, I still felt invested in these characters and was happy with how the book ended.
However, because this author is awesome, she’s writing an alternate ending and it should come out in a couple weeks. So, even though I was happy with this ending, who knows, I might like the other ending more. I’ll let y’all know. ;-)
Also, before I go into the review, just know that at the very end of the book, the author (who happens to be a favorite of mine and oh so funny) wrote a synopsis refresher for those of us that might have forgotten some parts.
Ok, back to the review...this book perfectly tied up all the loose strings of all the many, many characters. Haha I don’t know how she did it, but she did. There was action, romance, and humor. After all these years, I still felt invested in these characters and was happy with how the book ended.
However, because this author is awesome, she’s writing an alternate ending and it should come out in a couple weeks. So, even though I was happy with this ending, who knows, I might like the other ending more. I’ll let y’all know. ;-)
November 4, 2019
This was an interesting series. After I finished reading it I noticed that it was (possibly) inadvertently be patterned after Shakespeare’s MacBeth. The Overdrake (antagonist), is MacBeth! No, he didn’t have 3 witches to prophecies his future. He didn’t need it, he was already power hungry, so he didn’t need help.
The slayers (the protagonist) did have people to mentor and train them for years before they had to face Overdrake and dragons to fight for the country’s safety.
The series is fun to read. With likable characters and one easy to hate, twist, turns, little romances, cliff hangers, and intense fighting off dragons.
Rallison, could go on and create a different different dragon series, she left that possibly opened. Still dragons are alive with new dragon lords/slayers, anything could happen really...
Give the series a try. It is a really fun series to read.
The slayers (the protagonist) did have people to mentor and train them for years before they had to face Overdrake and dragons to fight for the country’s safety.
The series is fun to read. With likable characters and one easy to hate, twist, turns, little romances, cliff hangers, and intense fighting off dragons.
Rallison, could go on and create a different different dragon series, she left that possibly opened. Still dragons are alive with new dragon lords/slayers, anything could happen really...
Give the series a try. It is a really fun series to read.
January 6, 2020
I started this series a couple of years ago when the third book came out. It's not my usual genre at all, but I was captivated by the story of a megalomaniac who wanted to use dragons to help him become the leader of the world, and the group of teenagers who could fight dragons and were going to stop him. This is the long awaited conclusion to the series, and because the author hates to disappoint, she's written two different endings to the love triangle of Tori, Jesse and Dirk. I read the Jesse version first. Also, because the author is awesome and knows that sometimes we readers forget things, at the end of the book is a synopsis of the first four books you can read before starting in on this thrilling conclusion.
This book waste no time getting back into things. It starts off with Dirk doing his father's bidding and using one of the dragons' shrieks to disable several cities, and the action doesn't stop as Overdrake goes on to attack Washington, D.C. It's also non-stop action on the Slayers side of the battle too as former Slayers are found and their powers are restored. You'll have to read it but it's pretty cool how it works out. Of course good overcomes evil but it's a heck of a battle. After the battle with the dragons is over and Overdrake is finally taken down, Tori has to make her decision between Jesse and Dirk, even though she doesn't want to hurt anyone or lose either of them as a friend.
This story has so much action but also the wonder humor and fun dialogue the author is known for. I think this is a great ending to the series although it seems the author left an opening for another series if she chooses to go in that direction.
This book waste no time getting back into things. It starts off with Dirk doing his father's bidding and using one of the dragons' shrieks to disable several cities, and the action doesn't stop as Overdrake goes on to attack Washington, D.C. It's also non-stop action on the Slayers side of the battle too as former Slayers are found and their powers are restored. You'll have to read it but it's pretty cool how it works out. Of course good overcomes evil but it's a heck of a battle. After the battle with the dragons is over and Overdrake is finally taken down, Tori has to make her decision between Jesse and Dirk, even though she doesn't want to hurt anyone or lose either of them as a friend.
This story has so much action but also the wonder humor and fun dialogue the author is known for. I think this is a great ending to the series although it seems the author left an opening for another series if she chooses to go in that direction.
Want to read
January 4, 2021Okay, you know what. I am normally fine with new things... but this went too far. DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES for the LAST book. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO I just wanted Tori and a few of the other sides. Possibly split the book between her and Aaron to see both sides. NOT CUTTING HER OUT ENTIRELY!
Also, I never do this so sorry if I surprised you. And I am glad that C.J. Hill wrote this book and the other one in Dirk's perspective. I just.... to books I already read.
Wish me luck... it might take me awhile to read this one. Fingers crossed I enjoy this one or my life will be RUINED and I will be mad at everything for a few days because my favorite series was changed and now I don't like how it ended.
Also, I never do this so sorry if I surprised you. And I am glad that C.J. Hill wrote this book and the other one in Dirk's perspective. I just.... to books I already read.
Wish me luck... it might take me awhile to read this one. Fingers crossed I enjoy this one or my life will be RUINED and I will be mad at everything for a few days because my favorite series was changed and now I don't like how it ended.
October 28, 2019
Fantastic Slayers Continuation
So, I have been waiting a long time for this book, so I was super excited when it came out and I didn’t have work! Hurray! I loved it! I was not expecting that ending! I’m not going to give anything away, but my daughter was super disappointed that there wasn’t an epilogue when someone gets married. I explained they were teenagers, so it was fine. She’s still holding out for another book. Maybe next generation dragon lord/slayers...
So, I have been waiting a long time for this book, so I was super excited when it came out and I didn’t have work! Hurray! I loved it! I was not expecting that ending! I’m not going to give anything away, but my daughter was super disappointed that there wasn’t an epilogue when someone gets married. I explained they were teenagers, so it was fine. She’s still holding out for another book. Maybe next generation dragon lord/slayers...
October 30, 2019
I loved the final book in this series! I fel like I know the charactes across these five books, and the action did not disappoint. I love the solution at the end for the "dragon problem".
I admit that I did have to refer to the "character sheet" I scribbled on the back of the first book to keep everyone straight. I love all the different characters and I love that they came back for the finale... but I did need the cheat sheet to remember them all.
I admit that I did have to refer to the "character sheet" I scribbled on the back of the first book to keep everyone straight. I love all the different characters and I love that they came back for the finale... but I did need the cheat sheet to remember them all.
November 14, 2019
Dragons and Pithy Dialogue- What’s Not to Love?
After years of waiting- the final in the Slayers series is finally here! Yay! If you are new to the series definitely start at the beginning- not just because the cast of characters is large, but also because why wouldn’t you want to read all of them? It is like a young adult female version of Tony Stark.
One of my favorite lines is, “This is probably why most superheroes wait until after they leave home to fight villains.”
After years of waiting- the final in the Slayers series is finally here! Yay! If you are new to the series definitely start at the beginning- not just because the cast of characters is large, but also because why wouldn’t you want to read all of them? It is like a young adult female version of Tony Stark.
One of my favorite lines is, “This is probably why most superheroes wait until after they leave home to fight villains.”
October 14, 2023
Overdrake is working to take over the country, hitting cities with EMP each night and leaving them in a shambles. And the Slayers can't do anything about it because they never know where he'll hit in time to meet him. Worse, Tori is struggling with the idea of killing dragons at all. And Dirk is realising that his dad's plans are more dastardly than he knew, but that it's too late to back out. Can the Slayers find some way to overcome Overdrake before it's too late and the country turns into a bloodbath? Or is all their training to be for naught?
I admit it: I can't decide whether having two versions with two different endings is absolutely brilliant or a total cop-out. (Then again, I'm not really a fan of love triangles, and maybe this sort of thing is why - I like to know from the start who to root for.) Since I didn't feel strongly about either and was curious, I read both endings. They're both well done and satisfactory endings to the series, but oddly, I found that while I felt Tori belonged more with Dirk, I actually felt the Jesse ending worked better.
In terms of the main body of the story, I had moments of wondering how this could possibly end well, but it worked out beautifully - not so neat that it feels unreal, but definitely satisfying. The struggles the characters went through felt very real, and I appreciated the way the author kept it all clean and without over-the-top violence. All in all, a great ending (or two!) to a great series. I mean, I'd love to see more of some of the characters - maybe a spinoff series? - but it's a good place to stop, at least for now... :-) Recommended.
Note that this book is actually only about half as long as it looks. It is two complete copies of the story, with most of the content of each being the same, but tweaked to have different romantic endings - so decide before you start which version you want to read based on who you think Tori should end up with. (This series really needs to be read together and in order for it to make sense.)
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I admit it: I can't decide whether having two versions with two different endings is absolutely brilliant or a total cop-out. (Then again, I'm not really a fan of love triangles, and maybe this sort of thing is why - I like to know from the start who to root for.) Since I didn't feel strongly about either and was curious, I read both endings. They're both well done and satisfactory endings to the series, but oddly, I found that while I felt Tori belonged more with Dirk, I actually felt the Jesse ending worked better.
In terms of the main body of the story, I had moments of wondering how this could possibly end well, but it worked out beautifully - not so neat that it feels unreal, but definitely satisfying. The struggles the characters went through felt very real, and I appreciated the way the author kept it all clean and without over-the-top violence. All in all, a great ending (or two!) to a great series. I mean, I'd love to see more of some of the characters - maybe a spinoff series? - but it's a good place to stop, at least for now... :-) Recommended.
Note that this book is actually only about half as long as it looks. It is two complete copies of the story, with most of the content of each being the same, but tweaked to have different romantic endings - so decide before you start which version you want to read based on who you think Tori should end up with. (This series really needs to be read together and in order for it to make sense.)
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
July 30, 2023
Nice ending to the series, if perhaps a bit unrealistic, or perhaps just writing to the audience’s age. However, C. J. Hill does a really good job creating complex characters and creating complex conflict in the story, presenting both sides of the argument. Dirk has chosen the side of the revolution because he has come to believe what his father’s says about America’s corrupt government. For instance, “Thomas Jefferson said that the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. That’s all Dirk was doing—making sure that the tree of liberty didn’t wither and die under the weight of America’s bureaucrats. It was time for pruning.” Still Dirk is one of my favorite characters and the author does a good job describing his conflict watching his father acting more like a tyrant than a zealous patriot. “ ‘In life, the strong do what they want, and the weak suffer what they must.’ This was one of his father’s favorite sayings, uttered by Thucydides, an Athenian leader.” Dirk thinks he can temper his father’s plans and protect the weak and innocent while still bringing change. And then there is Tori’s conflict, being half Slayer and half Dragon Lord--one half hating dragons and the other half loving them. The idea of completely wiping out dragons is abhorrent to her even though they can be used as a horrible tool in the hands of the wrong people—like Dirk's father. As always, my favorite parts are the dragon fighting scenes and there were perhaps more of these than in the other books.
June 23, 2024
First off, I have to say how much I appreciate the dedication of the author in writing two ending so both Jesse and Dirk fans are happy. That’s above and beyond behavior. As to the actual book, I thought it was a good ending to the series. I liked finally finding out Willow’s super power, Aaron’s continued awesomeness, and the final actual fight and confrontation. I like what happened to Overdrake and the way everything was tied up. That said, I was going to read Dirk’s version of this book to see how it differed and if the author could make me like him, but I think I’ll skip it. I don’t know if there’s anything that could make me like him after how blindly he goes along with his dad in this book, because even though he has little rebellions in how he carries out orders, he 100% was involved in the pain, suffering, and death of lots of people (because even though the author makes it seem like almost no one died, there were definitely a lot of deaths—probably just by hypothermia alone in the cities in cold regions that he hit with EMP), and he just didn’t care to do anything about it until one of the people hurt by his actions was someone he cared about personally. There’s no coming back from that for me, and I think it would make me mad to see him get an HEA with Tori, haha.
October 11, 2021
Good
I liked the story. I am glad that my theory of Willow’s power was correct. I liked how this book didn’t have much drama and had more action in it. Midway through the book was an epilogue, which was confusing. But apparently the author wrote two different endings to the book. The two parts are the same I believe, they just have different endings. I liked how the main character ended up with Dirk in one of the endings, but that ending didn’t feel as complete to me. The ending when the main character ended up with Jesse felt more complete, but I don’t really like Jesse.
I liked the story. I am glad that my theory of Willow’s power was correct. I liked how this book didn’t have much drama and had more action in it. Midway through the book was an epilogue, which was confusing. But apparently the author wrote two different endings to the book. The two parts are the same I believe, they just have different endings. I liked how the main character ended up with Dirk in one of the endings, but that ending didn’t feel as complete to me. The ending when the main character ended up with Jesse felt more complete, but I don’t really like Jesse.
December 7, 2019
Absolutely Loved This Series
This was a great series. I absolutely loved it. The ending was great and didn’t leave a massive cliffhanger like some series do. The whole series was clean. I loved how the characters continued to develop over the whole course. This book was just as excellent as the others.
This was a great series. I absolutely loved it. The ending was great and didn’t leave a massive cliffhanger like some series do. The whole series was clean. I loved how the characters continued to develop over the whole course. This book was just as excellent as the others.
October 13, 2020
Finale
Well who doesn’t love alternative endings. In this book you get to decide which guy you think Tori should end up with. But you can still read the alternate ending to feed your curious mind. This was an enjoyable series. I’m glad I got the chance to read the last book. There was plenty of action to keep me entertained.
Well who doesn’t love alternative endings. In this book you get to decide which guy you think Tori should end up with. But you can still read the alternate ending to feed your curious mind. This was an enjoyable series. I’m glad I got the chance to read the last book. There was plenty of action to keep me entertained.
October 30, 2019
Oh Janette Rallison, I love you! What a fabulous end to an amazing series! It makes me want to erase my memory just so I can read it again! And does the "Jesse version" mean there are more versions of this final book coming? Please yes!
October 30, 2019
I was kind of let down by the ending of the book. After I finished the book I had so many questions.
Will there be another book about the baby twins and the slayers? Will Overdrake come back? and many more. The last book wasn't that exciting to me and my expectations fell flat.
Will there be another book about the baby twins and the slayers? Will Overdrake come back? and many more. The last book wasn't that exciting to me and my expectations fell flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
Great finale
This contained two versions with two different endings, you got a choice, team Jesse or team Dirk. It's a challenge to read both but hard to say which is better, both well written.
This contained two versions with two different endings, you got a choice, team Jesse or team Dirk. It's a challenge to read both but hard to say which is better, both well written.
August 3, 2025
Probably my favorite series I’ve ever read. I LOVED the entire story, the characters, and the action. Such a fantastic series that I powered through because I couldn’t put it down. I almost wish there were more books
September 27, 2025
I love that there are two full complete versions. This version, to me, seems safe, comfortable, and yet there is something missing. Maybe I like the bad boy turned good and gets the girl. but I did enjoy it.
November 6, 2019
Excellent conclusion; although I am super excited for the Dirk version😀
July 12, 2020
A great ending to a great series! Action packed, romance, and a satisfying ending.
October 21, 2021
4.5
Remember team Jacob and team Edward? Yeah, this team Jesse and team Dirk. So, now I have to read the alternate ending!
Remember team Jacob and team Edward? Yeah, this team Jesse and team Dirk. So, now I have to read the alternate ending!
October 3, 2022
I loved this entire series! Book 5 has plenty of action as well as emotional turmoil. There's an alternate ending... They're both perfect endings. I can't choose between the two.
November 7, 2023
Good conclusion, ties up loose ends, satisfying to read if you're team Jesse, and leaves it open a bit as well. Clean, tense, exciting, and even fun. And I LOVE Willow's power!
Read
July 10, 2020I was relieved to hear the author was going to do two versions of the ending of this series. And what a way to end! So much action, romance, and witty banter. I loved seeing how it all came together. If you've been waiting for all the books to be out before starting this series, wait no more! So great.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews