Reborn

Fallen Fire #1

by Richard Amos

Solitude and shiny things.

That’s all I care about.

I’m a fixer of magical objects, and collector of golden bears. I like my own company, finding solace in my own little world.

But a life-changing encounter with a male stripper and a swimming pool puts an end to all that.

I find myself with an ability I shouldn’t have—the ability to transform into a creature of wings and scales. This isn’t me. I’m a Humanblood, not this thing that shouldn’t exist.

No clues, no answers—I’m left completely in the dark.

Enter Charlie, a Felineblood and wannabe detective with a sharp tongue and an addiction to catnip cigarettes. As annoying as he is, he may have the skills to help figure out the insane puzzle that has been dumped in my lap.

Goodbye to peace.

Reborn is an Urban Fantasy tale packed with action, adventure, and a slow-burn MM Romance. Step into a world of angels, dragons, and a whole host of creatures (like Charlie!), where danger and mystery await.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Urban Fantasy, Dragons, Paranormal, Magic, Angels

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2020

About the author

Richard Amos is an author from England who is constantly lost in the worlds he writes about, and the ones in the queue yet to be written. He also has more books in his house than anything else, and is never without a book (and chocolate) in his hands when he's not writing. He’s a proud nerd who loves to dance. Hard.

Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor

Reviews

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am on book 3 of this series and I am still hoping something interesting happens.

The premise is what drew me to this book. I was intrigued and curious to see how it played out, instead we are given the same fact over and over again. Zayn and Charlie's relationship went no where, they both lust after each other but always have a reason why it is a bad idea, yet they lust over each other so freaking much that it almost takes half the book. Then when they finally consummate their relationship ( in book 3 if I'm not mistaken) it is so boring I could have entirely done without it.

I would not recommend.

[S a n d r a · Rating 2 out of 5]

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This was short and took me ages finishing it.

My biggest problem was the author's writing style. Not for me. At all. I don't mean to be disrespectful, I value every author's work and sincerely think what one reader doesn't like another could love... But for me the style is childish.

The characters felt pretty lame. The way they thing, the way they deliver their thoughts seemed kind of fanfictionish... Not profesional.

The plot had potential, with Lucifer, angels, dragons and one human guy who turns to be not so human... But everything else felt off. Not only the way the characters react, talk and think irked me, but also that when you finish it feels a little bit incomplete. It doesn't really happen much, and what happens is repetitive. I also don't understand why some characters act they way they do: I'm guessing in next books Scott will have some role, but I still can't see why Martha helps them so much. Because of money? It doesn't seem enough for how much she helps them.

The angels versus lucifer and his crew feels half cooked too. Yes, first book and all... But I'm not sure I'm intrigued enough to read the next book.

But with all, the worse of all still is the writing style. I hated every time Zayne thought about Charlie, and called him delicate and fought with himself. And the same goes for Charlie... How many times did he though Zayne was sexy and then tried to tell himself not to think that if him because he's scary? Far too many.

The collecting bears, too, felt out of the blue. Will it have some meaning? Probably, I hope so, but in this first book it felt random. And too much time consuming for nothing, really. And there's much of this: things I'm guessing in next books will have some importance but that here only time pages after pages, when the truly important things don't get developed.

I kept reading, wanting to believe there was at least something good coming. Hoping even with the terrible writing style, the developing plot would deserve it... But no.

[Nicole]

Pfffff.... No. Just a big fat NO. The premise of the story is awesome, but omg I am so sorry, but the dialogue, the writing, the characters... no.

[Wende · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me

I can see that this book would work for some but just didn't for me. I just didn't find the characters compelling to want to read book 2. It ends with out a real ending also.

[Alli]

DNF at46%
I just couldn’t get into it 🤷‍♀️

[yaishin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was slow. Really, really slow. It kinda reminded me of a mix between By Fairy Means or Foul and A Ferry of Bones and Gold. It was a weird mix of sickly sweet and darkness.

*spoiler*I loved the idea of Zayn actually being Uriel though. The cruelest monster of them all was reborn with a kind heart. Such a twist.

And Charlie. His character was kind of inconsistent I think. Some parts he's shown as this joke for a private investigator but other times he's shown as this amazing sleuth skilled in espionage.

And another thing was that there were lots of unnecessary expenses and plans. Like, for disposing the bodies- a simple fire would've sufficed. There was nobody else around, there was also a swimming pool nearby. Not worth a grand to call Martha. Then calling Tim- he wouldn't have known what to look for inside the lab in the first place. And the disguises for sneaking into the One Cure party- it's not like anybody would have recognized them, they didn't need that spell either.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really liked Zayne and Charlie they are really unique from other characters ive read before. Reborn is a really good book and i cant wait to read the next one

[Ollie Z Book Minx · Rating 2 out of 5]

ugh. nothing resolved at the end, just vague purple prose about things to come. not *quite* at the level of “breasted boobily” but close 😬 not a romance. lots of hints of maybe there might be but nothing ever comes of it. interesting world concept poorly wrought.

[Bronwyn Heeley]

DNF @ 11% I can’t get into it, might pick it up again later

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reborn, the first book in the new Fallen Fire series, is absolutely full of potential. It's focus is Zayn, a somewhat solitary character who fixes magical objects for a living, and Charlie, a Felineblood private detective. Despite their pretty inauspicious first encounter, the two men can't help but gravitate to each other as they're drawn deeper into a mystery which has major consequences. Not only can Zayn (a Humanblood) now transform into a dragon-like creature, he and Charlie have drawn the unwanted attention of angels, the police and some other unsavoury characters...

I think this is a very good series opener: the world building is interesting with magical, mythical, divine and even demonic elements all coexisting. I've not read anything with a plotline like Reborn before, so this unique story is very refreshing. The writing style also works for me - it's well paced due to the dual POV keeping the action going and the humour lifts it in the right places. There's also just the right amount of ambiguity (e.g. where you're asking yourself whether a character is a 'goodie or baddie') which adds to the suspense.

Zayn and Charlie work for me as MCs. There's definitely more than a pinch of 'the grump and the sunshine' trope in this opposites attract pairing. It's very much a slow burn, too, which gives us the opportunity to learn about them as individuals. Zayn is happiest spending time alone working on intricate repair jobs or on his collection of gold bears - far away from any action or excitement. He does have a kind, nurturing streak however, even if it is buried pretty deep under his grouchy exterior. Charlie, on the other hand, seems to be always in the thick of things. He's often on edge and walking the fine line between determined and stubborn, frequently needing one of his catnip cigarettes to calm himself down. Their developing relationship is well crafted with each character facing the challenge of letting the other into their personal space, literally and figuratively.

I thoroughly enjoyed Reborn. It's certainly set us up with an ambitious premise and I can't wait to see how it's fleshed out upon as the series progresses. Yes, the potential is there for Fallen Fire to be an excellent urban fantasy/PNR series...bring on book 2! 4*

An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Well this book is definitely different. We meet Zayn a humanblood that fixes things. He is living a fairly normal life until strange things start happening around him and then he receives an invite to a place that will change his life. Full of magic, secrets, and loads of surprises making for a great fast paced read. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Richard Amos]

[Tash]

This book’s concept had me intrigued as it sounded unique and Amos didn’t disappoint with this book. The amount of creativity in this book didn’t disappoint and help our imaginations.The leads backgrounds are spot on for the age group and I loved the little nods to culture highlights from past

The mystery in this book had me hooked and I will be curious to see what happens next

[Morgan Skye]

part of a series
not for me

[Yunga2013 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginning a series is never easy. The author has to find a way to catch the reader's interest and make them be ready to wait patiently for the next installments without losing the said interest. Richard Amos ia great at that. Reborn grips you immediately and doesn't let you go. Not even after you turn the last page. You just get into the 'sleep' mode and wait....This series is an Urban Fantasy taking place in an amazing world created by the author. It's the world inhabited, apart from humans, by magical creatures: Felinbloods, Caninebloods, mages, angels and other creatures. Richard Amos is an exceptional world creator. Zayn is human, but his job of fixing magical objects connects him to that world. His lonely existence is brightened only by the small figurines of bears which he passionately collects. The author is a master of such small charming details that absolutely enarmour me. The other main character Charlie is a Felineblood who of course carries a lot of features of his furry counterpart. He is lithe, flexible and loves catnip cigarettes and warm milk.
And when our two boys meet the fun begins. A chain of strange and scary events will lead to the dramatic changes in the lives of the MCs. And now they need to find out what is going on in their city and what are their roles in all the mess they found themselves in.
I liked the guys a lot. Zayn is a lone wolf, set in his ways and seeking only piece and quiet. He is so not happy not only to find himself in the middle of the huge mess involving angels, demons and dragons, but also to be transformed into a fantastical creature he had never known existed. He'll have to come to terms with the changes in his life and with the fact that there will be no going back 'to normal'.
Charlie is young and eager to make a career of a private investigator, but starting up business is never easy and he struggles. Zayn's case seems ideal for a breakthrough but at some point Charlie realizes that maybe he bit more that he'd be able to chew. But it's too late, he is already involved and there's no way back.
This author likes his books with a slow burn romance. And I don't mind. This way you never get a feeling that the romance was rushed. You can follow the characters and see how their feelings grew. So in book one I saw this slow burn and enjoyed it.
To recap I would strongly recommend this book to all urban fantasy fans. It's brilliantly written, keeps you engaged from the first page to the last and has very likable main characters.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reborn by Richard Amos was one of those books that I had mixed reactions to. When I read the blurb for this book my interest was immediately piqued. It sounded like it would be a very nice change from the usual female main character stories that I've been reading lately. Zayn piques my interest and the author REALLY piques my interest with the different "bloods" in this book. That particular aspect especially propelled me further into this book. What can I say? I couldn't get enough of Charlie. LOL!
I don't think that I have read anything by this particular author before, but I could be wrong. I did enjoy how this book builds for the most part. Zayn is an interesting character, and while he is aloof from those around him I like how he cares for his skittish neighbor. I honestly appreciate that he doesn't treat it like this huge hassle for him and doesn't handle things with a nasty attitude. We get some of what pushed the neighbor to be so reclusive but I really hope that we see him come out...soon. lol The author gives readers a mix of angels, dragons, other "blood" creatures and a bit of information as to why there aren't certain types one would expect.
This book has good moments that quickly engaged me and kept me page-turning and then there were some moments of where I lost interest for a minute until things got back in gear. I like Charlie the most because he's humorous and I love that he's a felineblood. I didn't quite get the point of Zayn's golden bear collecting/collection. It doesn't seem like that much of an important part of the storyline.
I like the amount of mystery in this book as it kept me wanting to know what happens next, but then the dull moments that cropped up caused me to lose interest. I'd like it if the author also enlarged Charlie's name when it's his chapter. When the transition happened the first time I didn't notice and was surprised when I figured out that it was Charlie being the focus in this chapter instead of Zayn. This book is a good read, but I hope that it continues to get better as the series progresses. I am choosing to rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m already a huge fan of this author, and I love the set up for Fallen Fire. The characters are interesting and quirky, with a fun inner monologue, and the world building left me intrigued and wanting more.

Zayn’s narrative drew me in immediately especially with the background story about his family, and his obsession for golden bears. I loved Charlie as soon as he entered the story, so was delighted when his was the second POV, and he took on a much larger role than I expected. His smoking catnip cigarettes is a very clever touch and makes a lot of sense. I’m enjoying the slow burn between the two, especially as the attraction is obvious and they’re both going nope, not happening. Famous last words as the series progresses I’m sure.

I liked that Charlie struggles with having shot someone, and doesn’t just move on from it, even though it was in self defence. I also liked that Zayn has to learn to use his abilities, and his backtracking when he figures out what the cost of becoming fully who he’s been told he’s meant to be.

The world building is fabulous. This is a world that is ours, yet isn’t, which is this author writes very well. I found myself looking for clues as to whether it was an alternate reality, or set in the future or a mix of both. I like the setting too, and how different this world is, with some of its inventions. I hope some of its history is touched on in later books.

I love the idea of different humanoid species, and how magic functions in this world. The mystery element of the story is nicely woven into the plot, and kept me turning pages trying to figure out what was going on. I don’t trust those angels in the slightest and am sure there’s another side to their version of what happened which might be closer to the truth. There are twists and turns at every step, and I’m already hanging out for the next book in the series.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zayn had to live through a difficult childhood, never really accepted by his family, and now is being cursed by their presence in the hallway mirrors. Living a reclusive life, helping out his neighbor Scott, and repairing machineries is all his life consists of - until strange things start to happen. Being manipulated by magic, having the broke but attractive wanna-be detective Charlie by his side is the least of his problems, when you count the angels and Lucifer in..
I have to admit I am not often picking up books with M/M couple, but I decided to try this one out and I did not really regret it. The romance factor is anyway slow burn, with more "enemies" to lovers feeling (Charlie is only annoying, not a real enemy). The world building was very nice, with all the contrasts reflected in the society, the paradox of angelic city being so corrupted and broken down, and even in Zayn himself, having to make the hard decision of who he is, who he wants to be, and how to cope with his soul being not exactly his own. It was well written, with fast pace and many twists, and the cliffhanger at the end is of the sort that makes the reader want the next book immediately.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Two things of note before I move further into the review. This book is the first of the Fallen Fire series and ends on a cliffhanger, but the series is completed so there’s no wait for the next part, if you’re so inclined. There is also not much romance to speak of here, though there are some romantic undertones that lead me to believe it will play at least some part as the story develops.

I was intrigued by the world building within this story. Amos has created a world that can best be described as urban fantasy, though the story itself takes place in a city apart from the contemporary world. While Angelica City is a place unto itself, where years ago there was a great battle the angels won and eradicated Lucifer and his followers, many modern conveniences like cell phones, music, and cars are present.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the dystopian world of Angelica City.
Here the reader will find magicals, shifters, angels with swords, fanatics shouting warnings of the coming of the once defeated Lucifer.
And into this world we find Zayn Valentine; just a guy who can fix/repair magical items. The prologue is uniquely vivid in that Zayn must pass the pictures of his dead relatives who spew forth a diatribe of insults just because Zayn had to kill them or be killed by their thug. On Zayn's walk about town he stumbles upon Felineblood Charles Zavier Ellison or Charlie as he prefers to be called; a hustler who fancies himself a PI. Both witness the smoting down of a Lucifer fanatic by angels swinging powerful swords that turn said person to dust. This is a highly imagative first story of the Fallen Fire series and I look forward to knowing more about Ulric, Lucifer, and Lilith. The author has spun quite an entertaining tale. For my honest opinion of this first book I received an ARC from the author.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing start to a new series but I would expect nothing less from Richard Amos! I seriously loved this dystopian world and all the world building that went into it. Zayn definitely caught my attention and made me keep wanting to know more. He’s a very closed off character and I want to get past all the layers and learn everything about him. With each new thing I got to learn about him I wanted to know more and more and it made me want to read even more. And Charlie was definitely a good mix of different strengths and weaknesses. These two witness something very interesting and that’s when this story truly gets intriguing. I loved this take on urban fantasy and can’t wait for the next book to come out! I definitely want even more of this series and to see what will happen next to these characters and this world.

[Arrorah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but fell through a little

I really liked this book for the most part. It was well written but something about it missed the mark a little. I think it had to do with the long stretches of single sentence back and forth between characters. It kind of worked but at the same time felt really flat without the additional context, very two dimensional (like reading a script), which is hard on the reader who has to then fill in the blanks on their own. It’s fine but to me felt unsatisfying and it happened several times throughout the book. I don’t think it would have been a bad or difficult thing to add more depth to a few different places throughout the book, and if it were consistent enough it would have stopped me from reading further. But the story itself is unique and interesting and worth giving a chance.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this author for a while now, and he is really growing as an author, not that he was bad before. I dived into his latest, and I was immediately drawn in to the characters and the storyline. Zayn is a great main character who is so closed off from people, it’s hard to get to know him. This was so intriguing to me as a reader. I so wanted to know more about him and his past, and when I learned more, I was just more intrigued. Charlie is both a weak character and a strong character all rolled into one, and I can’t wait to learn more about him, too. OK, just read this book. It’s a well-written, action-filled urban fantasy that is very hard to put down; the best series by this author yet! Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard as an author can be wonderfully wacky and creative which is evident in this book.
I was pulled in from the beginning! Fabulous new series by Richard Amos, the action starts early as does the intrigue, and the characters are well defined early on and blossom throughout the storey, you can feel the tension building between the main characters and each book always leaves you wanting more.
Really well written and a brilliantly told storey, World building is excellent. Catnip Cigarettes Genius!!
The sub plots plus twists and turns keep you surprised and intrigued. Be warned though once you start reading this book you won’t be able to put the books down so be prepared for some binge reading.

[FluffPandas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I've never read a book by Richard before and this was definitely a great one to start on! It was brilliant!

The world-building was simply magnificent and easy to grasp because it was explained so well without detracting from the plot and coming off as blocks of random descriptions or sidenotes! A skill in itself!

The world was great and interesting and has all the cool magical things we love! The characters were really cool and developed really well, as was the budding romance (which will bloom into a beautiful flower someday). This is a slow-burn but not unrealistically slow, the pacing is absolutely perfect for these characters and I couldn't ask for more.

Book 2 please!!

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeps you on your toes

Zayn, a Humanblood, voluntarily lives in the solitude of his home in a world where angels, demons, and magic exists performing repairs on gem run magical items. As the story progresses a new friend is made, a surprising change occurs, and surviving to figure out the mystery may cost more than he is willing to pay. Richard Amos packed his Reborn world with wonderful characters, great plot twists, and a whole lot of keep you on your toes. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes and would love to see Scott become a little more involved.

I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting new series

This world was fascinating and confusing. If Lucifer and his devs were evil, and were ultimately vanquished by the angels, then why is all of human society in the toilet? I get the whole free will thing, that we got at the beginning of this, but without the source of temptation to choose against goodness, are we meant to infer that humanity is rubbish at any real altruism? With angels in our midst, we still wallow in anything that would separate us from them?

It seems more likely, to me, that what the world had been given is a very twisted but of propaganda, and that the angels are nothing of the sort. Are they also servants of Lilith? Will Zayne seek to release Uriel? Is Charlie also a reincarnate?

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an engrossing story. I was pulled in from the very beginning, and it kept me guessing. I’m still trying to figure it all out, because there are several questions we’ll need the future books of this series to answer. It’s a look at angels and demons, magic and man in a very different way than I had ever considered. I find that I have no words to explain this book that won’t get all spoiler-y. Zayn is a brilliantly flawed and vulnerable leading character, with a tortured past and an uncertain future. Already, I’m dying to read more about him, and Charlie, and everyone else.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Black Cat.

[Missy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow, this is my first time reading this author and it will not be my last. Everything I liked about it, from the pace, plot, and the characters. There was some uniqueness to this story that I was not expecting.

Zayn was a character that is written so well and so just Zayn. I cannot describe a way to tell you about him except that he will definitely capture your attention and keep it. But Richard does a great job of painting this picture of this world, and the characters that it feels like you are watching a movie. There was some oddities that cracked me up, I do not want to give anything away, but just to say read the book. I promise you will like it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book hooked me from the very beginning. I pretty much read it straight though and it was over before I knew it. I'm torn because I don't know if I should jump straight into book 2, or wait until 3 and 4 are out. The world building is incredible. The different types of people distinguished by their blood (human, feline, mage, etc.) is unique. Zayn, humanblood, just wants to bury himself in fixing magical objects. Charlie, felineblood, is an aspiring private detective that can't catch a break. Together they get thrown into what seems to be a war brewing between the Angels and Lucifer. I don't think I can wait, so I am off to read book 2. I need to know what happens next!