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The Fire Slayers
“I understand, Venzel. I will be your servant forever. I will never leave your house. I will keep your secrets. Now, if it pleases you, tell me the words that are worth a man's tongue.”
Ezri sat in stunned silence as Venzel told him about his life with a subterranean brotherhood bound together by a commitment to survive at any cost. Although resembling other ranches dotting the desert landscape, it is not long before Ezri realizes that Venzel’s home is not what it seems. The house is lavish, but empty, the horses in the immaculate stables are rarely ridden, and any woman who enters their gate never leaves.
Everything changes when Venzel brings home a bride. Passionately in love, the empty house is suddenly filled with life and laughter, but it does not last. A tragic mistake robs their son of his human identity and whisks her away too soon. Inheriting the most dangerous traits of both species, Timaeus’s struggle between the love for his human parents and the responsibilities to his alien brotherhood transforms the Fire Slayer he was created to be into an assassin dreaded and despised by the brotherhood who fears him almost as much as it needs him.
Ezri sat in stunned silence as Venzel told him about his life with a subterranean brotherhood bound together by a commitment to survive at any cost. Although resembling other ranches dotting the desert landscape, it is not long before Ezri realizes that Venzel’s home is not what it seems. The house is lavish, but empty, the horses in the immaculate stables are rarely ridden, and any woman who enters their gate never leaves.
Everything changes when Venzel brings home a bride. Passionately in love, the empty house is suddenly filled with life and laughter, but it does not last. A tragic mistake robs their son of his human identity and whisks her away too soon. Inheriting the most dangerous traits of both species, Timaeus’s struggle between the love for his human parents and the responsibilities to his alien brotherhood transforms the Fire Slayer he was created to be into an assassin dreaded and despised by the brotherhood who fears him almost as much as it needs him.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2020
5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Braley
4 books99 followersAfter nearly two decades of copy editing other writers’ manuscripts, P.J. Braley embarked on her own writing path. Her debut novel, The Fire Slayers, introduced the reading community to an alien species living beneath the Earth’s surface who are determined to save the world from human destruction. Finding Persephone tells the story of an alien assassin who makes the unforgivable mistake of falling in love with a human. In her third novel, Persephone’s Children, P.J. creates a love story so complete that it transcends the boundaries of life—and death.
In The Bookbinder’s Apprentice and other Impossible Love Stories, P.J. reaches beyond the boundaries of romance to twist the paranormal, history, and fantasy genres into a delightfully sensual tangle of devotion, redemption, sacrifice, and a love that could last forever.
When she isn’t writing about aliens negotiating the labyrinth of human love while trying to save the planet, researching her next work of historical fiction, or discovering the “possible” in impossible love stories, you will find her sitting under the umbrella on the sundeck with her rescue Aussies, Nymeria and Kaela.
Learn more about P.J., at PJBraley.com or follow her on Facebook at PJBraleyAuthor and/or @pjbraley.bsky.social.
P.J. Braley is the Past President of Citrus Writers of Florida.
In The Bookbinder’s Apprentice and other Impossible Love Stories, P.J. reaches beyond the boundaries of romance to twist the paranormal, history, and fantasy genres into a delightfully sensual tangle of devotion, redemption, sacrifice, and a love that could last forever.
When she isn’t writing about aliens negotiating the labyrinth of human love while trying to save the planet, researching her next work of historical fiction, or discovering the “possible” in impossible love stories, you will find her sitting under the umbrella on the sundeck with her rescue Aussies, Nymeria and Kaela.
Learn more about P.J., at PJBraley.com or follow her on Facebook at PJBraleyAuthor and/or @pjbraley.bsky.social.
P.J. Braley is the Past President of Citrus Writers of Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 16, 2020
Warning- This book is a page turner! I ignored way too many of my real-life responsibilities because I couldn’t pull myself away from reading it!
The Fire Slayers starts as an interesting blend of science fiction and romance. As the narrative progresses, the story takes a heartbreaking turn, and the action-packed drama really picks up. There are compelling characters and a strong and smartly-paced plot. The Fire Slayers was a thrilling read, and I definitely recommend it!
The Fire Slayers starts as an interesting blend of science fiction and romance. As the narrative progresses, the story takes a heartbreaking turn, and the action-packed drama really picks up. There are compelling characters and a strong and smartly-paced plot. The Fire Slayers was a thrilling read, and I definitely recommend it!
February 1, 2021
THE FIRE SLAYERS was a very strange and very interesting book that was certainly different than I was expecting. Set in post WW2 Egypt (I think?), the bulk of the story revolves around a hidden brotherhood that’s actually a race of aliens with collective conscious, with a human placed at the helm. Venzel is said human and he is the sole person responsible for ensuring the brotherhood produces offspring. Certainly not a bad position for a young man and so many lovely women, but all he really wants is some peace and quiet with the woman he has chosen to be his bride. Venzel does find happiness for a short while, but all that changes when he finds out that he’s been betrayed by his brothers.
I love weird books, and this little gem is no exception. I liked all of the unique elements that Braley incorporated into this story. The setting really feels like a very distant point in time where camels and caravans were the main modes of transportation, because that’s what Venzel chooses to use, but the Collective has all the modern amenities available including cars and helicopters. I think that’s what made the setting so interesting to me was the old-fashioned feel and the outdated customs and traditions.
Not for the faint of heart, THE FIRE SLAYERS has plenty of dark themes and dark moments and as a lover of dark fiction, that was definitely another thing I enjoyed. Though be warned — there are instances of drugged sex, mentions of suicide, and plenty of violence within these pages. It’s also a very patriarchal society that includes a harem.
Bottom line — a strange mix of dark fantasy and sci-fi, THE FIRE SLAYERS was certainly a unique tale that kept me glued to the pages. 3.5 stars.
*review copy provided by R&R Booktours and the author.
I love weird books, and this little gem is no exception. I liked all of the unique elements that Braley incorporated into this story. The setting really feels like a very distant point in time where camels and caravans were the main modes of transportation, because that’s what Venzel chooses to use, but the Collective has all the modern amenities available including cars and helicopters. I think that’s what made the setting so interesting to me was the old-fashioned feel and the outdated customs and traditions.
Not for the faint of heart, THE FIRE SLAYERS has plenty of dark themes and dark moments and as a lover of dark fiction, that was definitely another thing I enjoyed. Though be warned — there are instances of drugged sex, mentions of suicide, and plenty of violence within these pages. It’s also a very patriarchal society that includes a harem.
Bottom line — a strange mix of dark fantasy and sci-fi, THE FIRE SLAYERS was certainly a unique tale that kept me glued to the pages. 3.5 stars.
*review copy provided by R&R Booktours and the author.
April 28, 2021
The Fire Slayers captivated me throughout the entire book. The love between Venzel and Destani is everlasting and undying. They knew their son was going to be so important and he became more than they ever thought he would be. Behind the grief and surprise in this book was a very good plot that laid a wonderful foundation for the story of Timeaus's life.
The story starts as a love story between Venzel and Destani. Their love is palpable. After Destani becomes pregnant they thought their life was perfect, until Venzel finds out what his son has become. Throughout the story he slowly figures out how to forgive the impossible and love his son just as he had promised his beloved Destani.
Love, friendship, family, adventure, grief, tragedy, and allegiance is all part of this story. It was a roller coaster of emotion, but one I was happy to be taken on.
I think this was a perfect debut novel for PJ Braley and look forward to her future works.
The story starts as a love story between Venzel and Destani. Their love is palpable. After Destani becomes pregnant they thought their life was perfect, until Venzel finds out what his son has become. Throughout the story he slowly figures out how to forgive the impossible and love his son just as he had promised his beloved Destani.
Love, friendship, family, adventure, grief, tragedy, and allegiance is all part of this story. It was a roller coaster of emotion, but one I was happy to be taken on.
I think this was a perfect debut novel for PJ Braley and look forward to her future works.
December 28, 2020
The Fire Slayers is dark and captivating. A world where a hidden non-human collective hides in plain sight, interacting with the outer world through their human emissary. A story of love found in the most unexpected of places, and the fall out from all that happens. If you aren't into darker themes, then I would suggest skipping this one, but if you don't mind a bit of dark with your fantasy, you're going to find yourself captivated by this story.
October 10, 2025
The Fire Slayers blew me away with its bold blend of sci-fi, dark romance, and heartbreaking stakes. Venzel’s secrets, the alien lineage, and the fragile balance between love and duty made every twist feel gut-punch real. The worldbuilding is vivid and ruthless, and I felt for Destani every step of the way especially when the consequences of choices became so high. Not an easy read, but unforgettable.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews