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The Hidden Flames Artifact #1
Bloodflower
Born into a world of futuristic technology, ecologist Jàden Ravenscraft wields starship fuel like magic but she's losing control of her power. Marked as a dangerous weapon, she's trapped in hypersleep for 4000 years and wakes in the backwoods of a terraformed moon. Now she's determined to find her reincarnated lover and escape back to the stars before her captor discovers she's no longer asleep.
Because one life is not the end.
The man she loves has lived more than twenty lives without her, and Jàden's alone in a world of swords and sorcery. When exiled prison guard Captain Jon Ayers shields her from an attack, Jàden seizes the chance for safety and human connection. Using her magic, she ties her energy to Jon, forging a bond to keep him close to her side.
But Jon is hunted by mercenaries for the pendant he carries, a key to the gateway between worlds, and their bond stirs a desire neither can ignore. When the jackass who trapped her in the future ambushes them at sea, Jàden will be faced with the hardest choice of her life between Jon and her reincarnated ex. Saving one lover will destroy the other, and the wrong choice will land her in chains she can never escape.
Because one life is not the end.
The man she loves has lived more than twenty lives without her, and Jàden's alone in a world of swords and sorcery. When exiled prison guard Captain Jon Ayers shields her from an attack, Jàden seizes the chance for safety and human connection. Using her magic, she ties her energy to Jon, forging a bond to keep him close to her side.
But Jon is hunted by mercenaries for the pendant he carries, a key to the gateway between worlds, and their bond stirs a desire neither can ignore. When the jackass who trapped her in the future ambushes them at sea, Jàden will be faced with the hardest choice of her life between Jon and her reincarnated ex. Saving one lover will destroy the other, and the wrong choice will land her in chains she can never escape.
- GenresScience Fiction
620 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2021
6 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Harrowick
7 books22 followersK. J. Harrowick is a fantasy and science fiction author with a strong passion for blending grimdark worlds and futurist technology with threads of romance and revenge. She is the co-creator of Writer In Motion, contributed to the Science in Sci-Fi series, and was a panelist in the Write Hive online convention. With an unhealthy obsession for dragons, tacos, cheese, and beer, K. J. also works as a freelance web developer and graphic designer on a broad range of client projects before falling down the occasional rabbit hole.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 6, 2021
This book was GREAT! If my life wasn’t full of constant messy, ambulatory interruptions, I’d have finished it in one or two sittings. I love science-fantasy, and it hit just the right balance of sci-fi, fantasy, and romance for me.
The world-building was fantastic. The visual descriptions immersed me in the world without overdoing it. The settings integrated well enough to ground me in the scene without being intrusive. I really loved the imagery of the lush forests overlaying the ruined advanced civilization, and I liked that it didn’t feel like a dystopia. It was a new world built on top of the old one, but the old one’s bones still showed through. Beautiful.
I loved the main characters, got angry at the antagonists, and mourned all the right corpses. None of the violence felt unnecessary—this story takes place in a brutal world, but the fighting serves the plot and moves the story forward. Harrowick’s take on human-animal shifters was awesome, and I’d love to see it on film.
The pacing was good! There was always something happening to push everyone onward, and I loved the intricate plot set up. Though I still have a lot of questions about the tech and the main character’s magic, I got enough answers to tide me over until the next book.
I really loved it. I loved the world, I loved the premise, I loved the characters, and I want to Draw All the Things. I think the world-building and characters really stand out and provide a great hook into the rest of the series.
The world-building was fantastic. The visual descriptions immersed me in the world without overdoing it. The settings integrated well enough to ground me in the scene without being intrusive. I really loved the imagery of the lush forests overlaying the ruined advanced civilization, and I liked that it didn’t feel like a dystopia. It was a new world built on top of the old one, but the old one’s bones still showed through. Beautiful.
I loved the main characters, got angry at the antagonists, and mourned all the right corpses. None of the violence felt unnecessary—this story takes place in a brutal world, but the fighting serves the plot and moves the story forward. Harrowick’s take on human-animal shifters was awesome, and I’d love to see it on film.
The pacing was good! There was always something happening to push everyone onward, and I loved the intricate plot set up. Though I still have a lot of questions about the tech and the main character’s magic, I got enough answers to tide me over until the next book.
I really loved it. I loved the world, I loved the premise, I loved the characters, and I want to Draw All the Things. I think the world-building and characters really stand out and provide a great hook into the rest of the series.
August 9, 2021
Disclaimers: I received “Bloodflower” by KJ Harrowick as an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review. I’ve been a critique partner for KJ Harrowick as well. Neither of these has influenced my review.
I have been waiting a long time for Bloodflower, Jàden’s story, to be shared with the world, and that includes with me. I’d only read a super early first chapter that didn’t make it into the final story, but I wanted to read the rest of the story so badly.
I wasn’t disappointed.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Jàden Ravenscraft enters the story broken, as a woman who’s been stuck in hypersleep long enough for the broken moon she’s on to go back to swords and horses. Technology is most often seen in old hyper sleep pods with holographs, and they’re called dalanath—they’re thought to be similar to ghosts.
Jon is an ex-soldier, on the run, trying to find his men and suddenly bonded to Jàden through no fault of his own. He takes the bond seriously—in his world, it means you’re married—but he’s not sure Jàden does given that she’s obsessed with finding her ex-lover, who’s been reborn hundreds of times by now.
What I loved:
First of all, Mather. He was kind, and he was sort of a buffer between Jon & Jàden. I loved his heart. I enjoyed the shift of Jàden from helpless and broken to the badass she is, making the necessary decisions to find Kale and trying not to hurt Jon in the process. Jon’s desire for family extended from his sisters and parents to Jàden, and it was endearing.
The bad guys! The evil dudes from the Tower were…evil! And Frank, Kale’s Dad, is just the scum of the earth. He might have been following a scientist’s direction, but let’s face it. He enjoyed his job. And Eli…that dude’s motivations made me —almost — say “you know Jon, he has a point…”
Jàden’s powers! The Flame feels to me like this earth energy power despite its name.
The worldbuilding. The tree people. The tech. The non-tech. The way technology was made into myths. The shapeshifters. Love it all.
What I wanted more of:
The bad guys! I wanted to see the Tower dudes so much more—I wanted to figure them out, and I feel like if we saw them more I’d have a better handle on their evil machinations. And while I did get a lot of Eli, I’m looking to forward to his tricks in book 2.
Jàden’s powers! She didn’t really get to practice them much in this book because Jon kept telling her not to, but I’m hoping in the 2nd book we get to see her completely communing with Sandaris.
Overall, I loved Jàden’s transformation, so I can’t wait to see how everything goes in Book 2!
I have been waiting a long time for Bloodflower, Jàden’s story, to be shared with the world, and that includes with me. I’d only read a super early first chapter that didn’t make it into the final story, but I wanted to read the rest of the story so badly.
I wasn’t disappointed.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Jàden Ravenscraft enters the story broken, as a woman who’s been stuck in hypersleep long enough for the broken moon she’s on to go back to swords and horses. Technology is most often seen in old hyper sleep pods with holographs, and they’re called dalanath—they’re thought to be similar to ghosts.
Jon is an ex-soldier, on the run, trying to find his men and suddenly bonded to Jàden through no fault of his own. He takes the bond seriously—in his world, it means you’re married—but he’s not sure Jàden does given that she’s obsessed with finding her ex-lover, who’s been reborn hundreds of times by now.
What I loved:
First of all, Mather. He was kind, and he was sort of a buffer between Jon & Jàden. I loved his heart. I enjoyed the shift of Jàden from helpless and broken to the badass she is, making the necessary decisions to find Kale and trying not to hurt Jon in the process. Jon’s desire for family extended from his sisters and parents to Jàden, and it was endearing.
The bad guys! The evil dudes from the Tower were…evil! And Frank, Kale’s Dad, is just the scum of the earth. He might have been following a scientist’s direction, but let’s face it. He enjoyed his job. And Eli…that dude’s motivations made me —almost — say “you know Jon, he has a point…”
Jàden’s powers! The Flame feels to me like this earth energy power despite its name.
The worldbuilding. The tree people. The tech. The non-tech. The way technology was made into myths. The shapeshifters. Love it all.
What I wanted more of:
The bad guys! I wanted to see the Tower dudes so much more—I wanted to figure them out, and I feel like if we saw them more I’d have a better handle on their evil machinations. And while I did get a lot of Eli, I’m looking to forward to his tricks in book 2.
Jàden’s powers! She didn’t really get to practice them much in this book because Jon kept telling her not to, but I’m hoping in the 2nd book we get to see her completely communing with Sandaris.
Overall, I loved Jàden’s transformation, so I can’t wait to see how everything goes in Book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2021
Wow. Bloodflower hooked me from page one and never let go. It had everything I could want in a story: action, adventure, swoon-worthy romance, mystery, incredible world-building, unique magic, twists and surprises, characters that you love and hate (and probably should hate but actually kind of love), a satisfying ending, and yet tremendous opportunity for a sequel which I can’t wait to get my hands on.
I’ve honestly never read a book with such an incredible mash-up of a technologically advanced world colliding with an intelligent sword and sorcery style world. Seeing the characters experience and handle the new and unknown was fascinating, especially Jon and Eli encountering the metallic “sky beasts”.
I love a good romance, and this one did not disappoint. While not the main plot, it’s a significant current throughout the story with a deliciously slow build and just the right amount of spice to satisfy romance lovers.
The world in Bloodflower is incredibly unique and complex, and yet, K. J. Harrowick does an excellent job drawing the reader in bit-by-bit and unfurling the mythos throughout the entire story so that it’s not too overwhelming. That said, there are still many tantalizing mysteries left at the end, which will hopefully be explored in future books.
Do yourself a favor and buy this book. But once you start, strap in, because you’re not going to want to put it down!
I’ve honestly never read a book with such an incredible mash-up of a technologically advanced world colliding with an intelligent sword and sorcery style world. Seeing the characters experience and handle the new and unknown was fascinating, especially Jon and Eli encountering the metallic “sky beasts”.
I love a good romance, and this one did not disappoint. While not the main plot, it’s a significant current throughout the story with a deliciously slow build and just the right amount of spice to satisfy romance lovers.
The world in Bloodflower is incredibly unique and complex, and yet, K. J. Harrowick does an excellent job drawing the reader in bit-by-bit and unfurling the mythos throughout the entire story so that it’s not too overwhelming. That said, there are still many tantalizing mysteries left at the end, which will hopefully be explored in future books.
Do yourself a favor and buy this book. But once you start, strap in, because you’re not going to want to put it down!
September 30, 2021
Very well done multi-perspective book. It gives us personal insight into every main character without being tedious or repetitive.
Harrowick does a truly astonishing job weaving a tale of love and strife in a way that is relateable and tough to predict. I found myself surprused multiple times at some of the turns in the book.
There is a bit of nuance in trying to keep track of locations and exactly where each interpersonal relationship was at at any given time but i think that adds to the books appeal as an engaging read.
I have received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Harrowick does a truly astonishing job weaving a tale of love and strife in a way that is relateable and tough to predict. I found myself surprused multiple times at some of the turns in the book.
There is a bit of nuance in trying to keep track of locations and exactly where each interpersonal relationship was at at any given time but i think that adds to the books appeal as an engaging read.
I have received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 12, 2021
My reading genres these days are a lot of gothic lit, escapist fantasy, and swoon-worthy romance. Turns out, I could have found almost all of it in one book. K.J. Harrowick’s BLOODFLOWER is a sci-fantasy romance that drags you down deep into a brutal, primitive world with grounding in science, magic, and such hopeful, wistful romance that you can’t help but get swept along.
K.J. Harrowick is one of my favorite people already, but when I got to read the final version of her debut novel, I was reminded exactly why she is my critique partner and friend. She crafted a story that falls in love with the tropes of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, and weaves them together in such a new fashion, that you remember why you read genre fiction in the first place. There are dashing, but damaged heroes, brilliant but raw and uncertain heroines, complex and deeply understandable villains, and a world that feels familiar and foreign at the same time. Harrowick plays with her tropes so well that you can’t tell if relationships are star-crossed and ill-fated, time-swapped and poorly-reborn, or just plain too-complicated-for-tropes. And yet, the characters never feel out of their depth or torn by their own plots. They are active and engaged in their own lives, and their cross-purposes drive the story into unexpected twists and turns that had me turning pages.
Oof. Sorry. That was a lot of back-cover gushing. Let me get to it.Bloodflower is about Jaden, an ecologist from an technologically advanced world that discovers a power in her that can control the very fuel of starships. Trouble is? She has no real control over her power. It seizes her, seduces her, and rips at her very being until she knows she can rip apart moons if she looses the little power she has over her magic. So she is locked away and studied, by scientists who hope one day to master her power and use it to their ends. She is studied, tortured, and eventually put to sleep in a pod, and after nearly 4,000 years awakens on a terraformed moon.
While she’s slept, though, entire civilizations have risen and fallen. The moon Sandaris is not what she knew, with swords and sorcery replacing her science and computers. She is awakened by a ranger, an exiled prison guard turned freedom fighter, and desperate for human contact and strength she no longer possesses, she binds her magic to him, wedding their souls together. Jon Ayers wants to be offended at the lack of consent in this binding, but is drawn both to Jaden’s vulnerability and strength. He sees what she has to offer his band of outlaws as they seek revenge on the powers that have destroyed their families and their world in pursuit of the power to control the stars. Jon also knows that she needs him, the protection he can provide, and the path he offers to find a way out of this world she doesn’t understand.
The thing is, I could describe this novel in about seven different ways and not come close to capturing all the stories it tells. It is EPIC in its scale, and yet never falls trap to the continent-spanning travel montages that so many books in the genre do. Harrowick has written a story that is heavily character driven and drives from one tense scene to the next, that sometimes you wish she’d spend five pages on the merits of the consistency of Lembas bread and how to make acorn meal just so you could catch your breath. The romance is inevitable and yet driven by choice; the fates of the characters are inevitable, and yet fully and openly chosen.
This book is cinematic in a way that you hope Howard Shore will one day have to compose a dozen different interweaving themes for it. Its got a visual quality that cries for interpretation, and a story that is deeply rooted in its complex characters. And the world-building creates a playground for so many more stories to come (which BETTER be on their way).
TLDR; if you like your science fiction epic and sprawling with a fantasy sensibility and a slow burn romance, then this is the book for you.
K.J. Harrowick is one of my favorite people already, but when I got to read the final version of her debut novel, I was reminded exactly why she is my critique partner and friend. She crafted a story that falls in love with the tropes of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, and weaves them together in such a new fashion, that you remember why you read genre fiction in the first place. There are dashing, but damaged heroes, brilliant but raw and uncertain heroines, complex and deeply understandable villains, and a world that feels familiar and foreign at the same time. Harrowick plays with her tropes so well that you can’t tell if relationships are star-crossed and ill-fated, time-swapped and poorly-reborn, or just plain too-complicated-for-tropes. And yet, the characters never feel out of their depth or torn by their own plots. They are active and engaged in their own lives, and their cross-purposes drive the story into unexpected twists and turns that had me turning pages.
Oof. Sorry. That was a lot of back-cover gushing. Let me get to it.Bloodflower is about Jaden, an ecologist from an technologically advanced world that discovers a power in her that can control the very fuel of starships. Trouble is? She has no real control over her power. It seizes her, seduces her, and rips at her very being until she knows she can rip apart moons if she looses the little power she has over her magic. So she is locked away and studied, by scientists who hope one day to master her power and use it to their ends. She is studied, tortured, and eventually put to sleep in a pod, and after nearly 4,000 years awakens on a terraformed moon.
While she’s slept, though, entire civilizations have risen and fallen. The moon Sandaris is not what she knew, with swords and sorcery replacing her science and computers. She is awakened by a ranger, an exiled prison guard turned freedom fighter, and desperate for human contact and strength she no longer possesses, she binds her magic to him, wedding their souls together. Jon Ayers wants to be offended at the lack of consent in this binding, but is drawn both to Jaden’s vulnerability and strength. He sees what she has to offer his band of outlaws as they seek revenge on the powers that have destroyed their families and their world in pursuit of the power to control the stars. Jon also knows that she needs him, the protection he can provide, and the path he offers to find a way out of this world she doesn’t understand.
The thing is, I could describe this novel in about seven different ways and not come close to capturing all the stories it tells. It is EPIC in its scale, and yet never falls trap to the continent-spanning travel montages that so many books in the genre do. Harrowick has written a story that is heavily character driven and drives from one tense scene to the next, that sometimes you wish she’d spend five pages on the merits of the consistency of Lembas bread and how to make acorn meal just so you could catch your breath. The romance is inevitable and yet driven by choice; the fates of the characters are inevitable, and yet fully and openly chosen.
This book is cinematic in a way that you hope Howard Shore will one day have to compose a dozen different interweaving themes for it. Its got a visual quality that cries for interpretation, and a story that is deeply rooted in its complex characters. And the world-building creates a playground for so many more stories to come (which BETTER be on their way).
TLDR; if you like your science fiction epic and sprawling with a fantasy sensibility and a slow burn romance, then this is the book for you.
October 11, 2021
Holy cow, this book was flipping amazing!
Okay, first--I don't typically read science fiction. It often leaves me feeling stupid about the technical things I don't understand and space (stations, battles, flight) bores me. This book? I loved. It was definitely sci-fi but also fantasy and written so well that I never felt like I struggled to understand.
Jaden and Jon were so great. Jon is the best grumpy, loyal, foul-mouthed cinnamon roll ever and I adore him. Jaden is so human and vulnerable and yet powerful. Their interactions left me with so many emotions--at points I was laughing, others I cried. Legit tears. The pain and longing are so real, folks.
I loved every member of the found family and to avoid spoilers won't say anything except HOW DARE YOU?! Because K.J. Harrowick pulls no punches. Ever.
I can't wait for book two. I read this entire book in one sitting. I said I would pace myself and instead stayed up *very late* because I literally could not put it down. If you like action and adventure and mystery-but-not-who-done-it and All The Feelings and a romance that makes you swoon--read this book. Right now. Don't even wait another second.
Okay, first--I don't typically read science fiction. It often leaves me feeling stupid about the technical things I don't understand and space (stations, battles, flight) bores me. This book? I loved. It was definitely sci-fi but also fantasy and written so well that I never felt like I struggled to understand.
Jaden and Jon were so great. Jon is the best grumpy, loyal, foul-mouthed cinnamon roll ever and I adore him. Jaden is so human and vulnerable and yet powerful. Their interactions left me with so many emotions--at points I was laughing, others I cried. Legit tears. The pain and longing are so real, folks.
I loved every member of the found family and to avoid spoilers won't say anything except HOW DARE YOU?! Because K.J. Harrowick pulls no punches. Ever.
I can't wait for book two. I read this entire book in one sitting. I said I would pace myself and instead stayed up *very late* because I literally could not put it down. If you like action and adventure and mystery-but-not-who-done-it and All The Feelings and a romance that makes you swoon--read this book. Right now. Don't even wait another second.
September 6, 2021
The way the author blends two worlds is amazing. I was hooked on page one. The romance is superb. I was blushing while reading in such a good way. The action scenes were omg!!! Im trying to write this without putting spoilers. So basically read this. You wont be disappointed.
August 21, 2021
I received an eARC from the author (whom I know) in exchange for an honest review. Neither being given the ARC nor knowing the author affected my opinions.
It's always interesting to see how a book has evolved with time. I read the opening few chapters of this book maybe two or three years ago and was hooked (but life and timings didn't let me read any further.) To read this book in full, with a completely different opening, is quite the experience. (A really really good one, to see it come so far and get even better, but also it took me a while to get to grips with the fact that the previous opening that led to her going into hypersleep had been axed!)
There's a lot happening on this sort-of quest book. There are multiple enemies to escape (who all get tangled up in their goals), plus Jàden needs to win over Jon's companions and deal with her growing attraction to him. (And, despite not being a romance reader and generally not picking up on attraction between couples/feeling the attraction, I could REALLY feel the tension between them!)
Science fantasy books are always tricky to classify in spreadsheets. We have space ships (talked about) and hyper sleep, advanced materials technology and gates that might end up being interstellar in later books. But there's also flame magic stuff (explained as bioenergy) and reincarnated lovers. The technology mix is some of the baddies (who are from the technologically advanced race) have guns and space ships, but most people use swords and bows and arrows.
Jàden has to get used to this new world, which helps the reader learn about it as the other two POVs (Jon and Eli) have grown up on this world and know it. Given the sci-fi and fantasy elements, there's a lot to learn and balance in your head (because it's hard to predict if the world's answer to a certain , so having a "guide" in Jon really helps.
The book starts off dual POV, showing both sides of the growing tension-filled relationship, though Eli is referenced so he's easy to fit into the narrative when he arrives. With Eli's arrival, an enemy, it really helps to show the threat against them, taking it from the insubstantial fear to a tangible danger.
In all, it's a great start to the series and I'm looking forwards to the next!
It's always interesting to see how a book has evolved with time. I read the opening few chapters of this book maybe two or three years ago and was hooked (but life and timings didn't let me read any further.) To read this book in full, with a completely different opening, is quite the experience. (A really really good one, to see it come so far and get even better, but also it took me a while to get to grips with the fact that the previous opening that led to her going into hypersleep had been axed!)
There's a lot happening on this sort-of quest book. There are multiple enemies to escape (who all get tangled up in their goals), plus Jàden needs to win over Jon's companions and deal with her growing attraction to him. (And, despite not being a romance reader and generally not picking up on attraction between couples/feeling the attraction, I could REALLY feel the tension between them!)
Science fantasy books are always tricky to classify in spreadsheets. We have space ships (talked about) and hyper sleep, advanced materials technology and gates that might end up being interstellar in later books. But there's also flame magic stuff (explained as bioenergy) and reincarnated lovers. The technology mix is some of the baddies (who are from the technologically advanced race) have guns and space ships, but most people use swords and bows and arrows.
Jàden has to get used to this new world, which helps the reader learn about it as the other two POVs (Jon and Eli) have grown up on this world and know it. Given the sci-fi and fantasy elements, there's a lot to learn and balance in your head (because it's hard to predict if the world's answer to a certain , so having a "guide" in Jon really helps.
The book starts off dual POV, showing both sides of the growing tension-filled relationship, though Eli is referenced so he's easy to fit into the narrative when he arrives. With Eli's arrival, an enemy, it really helps to show the threat against them, taking it from the insubstantial fear to a tangible danger.
In all, it's a great start to the series and I'm looking forwards to the next!
October 16, 2021
A fantastic blend of sci-fi and fantasy
It's difficult to blend science fiction and fantasy together, but the author manages to create an incredible world of ancient alien civilizations and technology with swords and magic. A few critiques--there are so many elements from shapes shifters to dreamwalkers, spaceships and hypersleep and somehow reincarnation that's not explained, and dragons--it becomes hard to follow the plot.
(spoiler follows)
.
.
And the romance--I didn't understand how/why Jaden and Jon were supposedly in love, just that they wanted each other all the time to the point it was distracting, along with some of the patriarchal elements of the story (fighting over a wife neither men knew, for one).
Still, overall, an excellent, fast paced adventure with a rich blend of sci-fi and fantasy to make an incredible setting for an interesting story.
It's difficult to blend science fiction and fantasy together, but the author manages to create an incredible world of ancient alien civilizations and technology with swords and magic. A few critiques--there are so many elements from shapes shifters to dreamwalkers, spaceships and hypersleep and somehow reincarnation that's not explained, and dragons--it becomes hard to follow the plot.
(spoiler follows)
.
.
And the romance--I didn't understand how/why Jaden and Jon were supposedly in love, just that they wanted each other all the time to the point it was distracting, along with some of the patriarchal elements of the story (fighting over a wife neither men knew, for one).
Still, overall, an excellent, fast paced adventure with a rich blend of sci-fi and fantasy to make an incredible setting for an interesting story.
September 16, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book for a voluntary review.
A very ambitious story. A lot of very good elements and the story did seem to come together towards the end, but I found the the story and action very confusing. The action/fights I felt were a little too rushed for me I felt like I missed something.
I am not quite sure of the timeliness. 4000 years seem to have flown by and things things have picked up like it was yesterday. A mix of technology, science, reincarnation, romance and revenge.
Even after I finished the book I am still not sure what the "Flame" powers are. The book did set up quote a few things to come in this series.
A very ambitious story. A lot of very good elements and the story did seem to come together towards the end, but I found the the story and action very confusing. The action/fights I felt were a little too rushed for me I felt like I missed something.
I am not quite sure of the timeliness. 4000 years seem to have flown by and things things have picked up like it was yesterday. A mix of technology, science, reincarnation, romance and revenge.
Even after I finished the book I am still not sure what the "Flame" powers are. The book did set up quote a few things to come in this series.
September 2, 2021
What an introduction (for me!) into science fantasy–wowza. If you're looking for a fast-pace adventure that's an intricate braiding of space-opera science fiction, swords and magic, pirate vibes, and slow-burn romance triangle (think Outlander), you've found an excellent book to dive into.
I always wanted to learn more (about the shapeshifters, the terraforming science, the evolution of the religion, the rules of re-incarnation, etc.), but I never felt like I was missing information to enjoy the ride of the story. Fingers crossed we get more of everything in the following books!
I always wanted to learn more (about the shapeshifters, the terraforming science, the evolution of the religion, the rules of re-incarnation, etc.), but I never felt like I was missing information to enjoy the ride of the story. Fingers crossed we get more of everything in the following books!
August 22, 2021
I raced through this book! Scifi, fantasy, magic, past lives, future worlds, romance, action and adventure, otters!... Bloodflower has it all! Part Altered Carbon/part The Expanse/part Polaris Rising, this story grabbed me from the first page and wouldn't let go. I absolutely loved the mix of magic and tech, prophecy and autonomy, shifters and guardians, love and heartache. K.J. Harrowick deftly weaves this story of ultimately finding your people and your place in the world including the slowest burn romance (3000+ years to be exact!) and a fully satisfying ending even though this story is obviously not the end. I highly recommend Bloodflower to any reader who loves adult scifi and fantasy stories with romance at their cores.
I was given an ARC of Bloodflower by the author for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of Bloodflower by the author for an honest review.
August 25, 2021
I had enjoyed reading this, it was a unique take on scifi and the cover is what drew me in. The characters were unique and interesting and I enjoyed going through this read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2021
Science fiction with a dark fantasy feel--Bloodflower is the sizzling first book in The Hidden Flames Artifact. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2022
I was promised sex… I thought this would be an enticing book, but I must admit I was bored through most of it. I'm really not into instalove, though it does make sense in the story it just pisses me off when characters are so sweet from the get-go and only continue to get worse.
I noticed some inconsistencies too, like a character saying something and then acting as if it's a secret. You already said it outloud, remember? Also it was maddening when they started to repeat things over and over. Like giving warnings that weren't explained nor tipped off as to what would happen or why, coming off as an empty non urgent warning. Also some ranting about how you're not the boss of me just because we're together and I'm a strong independent woman and don't care what you have to say. Unccesary, off-putting. I feel like some scenes and attitudes were forced to be like "men can't tell women what to do" and "if you're my lover you're not allowed to treat me as anything other OR ELSE", which again is uneccesary and offputting, distracting even. These things made me feel like this book was written either by a teenager or a virgin with zero imagination and knowledge of what a man is, and I say this most objectively and without intent of offending, just what came through the writing to me.
I pushed on to finish the book not because it was interesting or because I wanted to know what would happen (as soon as a character was introduced I just knew what their role was in the end of the story and that bored me), but because this book is introduced as "Sex, swords and spaceships". Well, the Scenes where there was supposed to be sexual tension were just dead and boring, the only sad little sex scene was so rushed that, well… Did it even happen? Does it have enough relevance in the book that it would require to add it to the pitch of the book? I believe not.
Jon being a few chapters like "I need to tell her the truth about the bond" bored me to tears, eyes rolling. Man, just be a man and tell her, what does it matter anyway? I feel like this was put in the story to accomplish absolutely nothing at all. Unnecessary. For a while there in the last few chapters I almost thought that Jon would actually turn out to be the antagonist because of the ways in which he obsesses over Jaden (yes, most of their relationship didn't seem romantic to me but obsessive). That would've been interesting! But no, he's the good guy. Like, I understand that sometimes stories are obvious, archetypes fill their roles, but this doesn't feel like it because the characters do not represent the archetypes correctly.
I'll admit, the world building was interesting! The spaceship and technology part was pretty cool, but the development of the characters and their relationships killed all the passion I could've felt for this book. This author is talented for sure, I just feel she needs to focus on mature and relatable development for the characters, try to portray them as the adults they're supposed to be because they're honestly coming off as whining whimsical spoiled teenagers.
I have hopes for this author, I probably will not continue to read this series but I'd most definitely try other work from her.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I noticed some inconsistencies too, like a character saying something and then acting as if it's a secret. You already said it outloud, remember? Also it was maddening when they started to repeat things over and over. Like giving warnings that weren't explained nor tipped off as to what would happen or why, coming off as an empty non urgent warning. Also some ranting about how you're not the boss of me just because we're together and I'm a strong independent woman and don't care what you have to say. Unccesary, off-putting. I feel like some scenes and attitudes were forced to be like "men can't tell women what to do" and "if you're my lover you're not allowed to treat me as anything other OR ELSE", which again is uneccesary and offputting, distracting even. These things made me feel like this book was written either by a teenager or a virgin with zero imagination and knowledge of what a man is, and I say this most objectively and without intent of offending, just what came through the writing to me.
I pushed on to finish the book not because it was interesting or because I wanted to know what would happen (as soon as a character was introduced I just knew what their role was in the end of the story and that bored me), but because this book is introduced as "Sex, swords and spaceships". Well, the Scenes where there was supposed to be sexual tension were just dead and boring, the only sad little sex scene was so rushed that, well… Did it even happen? Does it have enough relevance in the book that it would require to add it to the pitch of the book? I believe not.
Jon being a few chapters like "I need to tell her the truth about the bond" bored me to tears, eyes rolling. Man, just be a man and tell her, what does it matter anyway? I feel like this was put in the story to accomplish absolutely nothing at all. Unnecessary. For a while there in the last few chapters I almost thought that Jon would actually turn out to be the antagonist because of the ways in which he obsesses over Jaden (yes, most of their relationship didn't seem romantic to me but obsessive). That would've been interesting! But no, he's the good guy. Like, I understand that sometimes stories are obvious, archetypes fill their roles, but this doesn't feel like it because the characters do not represent the archetypes correctly.
I'll admit, the world building was interesting! The spaceship and technology part was pretty cool, but the development of the characters and their relationships killed all the passion I could've felt for this book. This author is talented for sure, I just feel she needs to focus on mature and relatable development for the characters, try to portray them as the adults they're supposed to be because they're honestly coming off as whining whimsical spoiled teenagers.
I have hopes for this author, I probably will not continue to read this series but I'd most definitely try other work from her.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
June 12, 2022
Action, suspense, romance, heartbreak, magic, heroines and heroes, epic villains, smart horses, swordplay, spaceships, shapeshifters, LGBTQIA.
I am completely and totally in love with this book. It has everything and I mean everything. Think, Altered Carbon meets, King Arthur, meets Stargate meets Robin Hood or a dark intersection between The Princess Bride and Firefly with magic. I know it’s mind-boggling and so enchanting at the same time! To say the least, I was completely enthralled from the first page. The world-building was fantastic, the characters amazing and the storyline was so fascinating with twists and turns that I couldn’t put this down. Jon a kind-hearted, powerful soldier on the run wakes magical Jaden from almost 4000 years of hypersleep after escaping imprisonment and watching her love die. The two are then bound together in a heart-racing journey to survive countless enemies and the ghosts of their past.
Jaden’s torment between her past and present was so well done, not over the top whining and not quickly forgotten just the right balance that made you feel how her heart was torn between the two. Don’t even get me started on Jon! Swoon then cry, then kick him in the shin and then swoon some more. Jon was amazing not only in the way he treated Jaden and his men but also in how he helped Jaden see her inner strength and courage, making sure she believed in herself just as much as in him. Again Swoon. Then there’s Eli, the character you love to hate or hate to love, and his POV added another level of detail and depth to the story. Jon’s crew was fantastic and I’d love to read about every single one of them. Also, I loved the horses, the right amount of smarts and personality they fit rate along with everything else.
Nothing felt rushed or overlooked or drawn out or over-explained. Basically, this book was amazing and I can not wait for the next one. I 100% recommend this book and will be shelving this under “all-time favourites” and is a re-reader hands-down.
Also, can this please be an audiobook? Oh and a Netflix series? Please!?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#BookSirens #Bloodflower #KJHarrowick #PortalWorldPublishing
I am completely and totally in love with this book. It has everything and I mean everything. Think, Altered Carbon meets, King Arthur, meets Stargate meets Robin Hood or a dark intersection between The Princess Bride and Firefly with magic. I know it’s mind-boggling and so enchanting at the same time! To say the least, I was completely enthralled from the first page. The world-building was fantastic, the characters amazing and the storyline was so fascinating with twists and turns that I couldn’t put this down. Jon a kind-hearted, powerful soldier on the run wakes magical Jaden from almost 4000 years of hypersleep after escaping imprisonment and watching her love die. The two are then bound together in a heart-racing journey to survive countless enemies and the ghosts of their past.
Jaden’s torment between her past and present was so well done, not over the top whining and not quickly forgotten just the right balance that made you feel how her heart was torn between the two. Don’t even get me started on Jon! Swoon then cry, then kick him in the shin and then swoon some more. Jon was amazing not only in the way he treated Jaden and his men but also in how he helped Jaden see her inner strength and courage, making sure she believed in herself just as much as in him. Again Swoon. Then there’s Eli, the character you love to hate or hate to love, and his POV added another level of detail and depth to the story. Jon’s crew was fantastic and I’d love to read about every single one of them. Also, I loved the horses, the right amount of smarts and personality they fit rate along with everything else.
Nothing felt rushed or overlooked or drawn out or over-explained. Basically, this book was amazing and I can not wait for the next one. I 100% recommend this book and will be shelving this under “all-time favourites” and is a re-reader hands-down.
Also, can this please be an audiobook? Oh and a Netflix series? Please!?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#BookSirens #Bloodflower #KJHarrowick #PortalWorldPublishing
March 22, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bloodflower has the potential to be an amazing story of love across lifetimes and the power that Jaden wields. Unfortunately, the world building is just not there. Going into any sci-fi/fantasy book, I expect a little confusion about the vocabulary, setting, and culture of the world. In a story where there is careful craftsmanship and attention to detail in setting the scene, I am able to pick up on what’s happening and fall into that world. I didn’t ever get what was happening in Bloodflower. The characters were hastily introduced, and vocabulary was thrown in like confetti with very little explanation. There was no unifying tie that held the book together. Instead, it was a string of plot points that Jaden and sometimes Jon or Eli (whose backstories could be really meaningful if developed further!) were pulled through. I wanted to love this story, and I think with the help of a strong editor it can go far, which is why I rated it 2/5 stars.
Bloodflower has the potential to be an amazing story of love across lifetimes and the power that Jaden wields. Unfortunately, the world building is just not there. Going into any sci-fi/fantasy book, I expect a little confusion about the vocabulary, setting, and culture of the world. In a story where there is careful craftsmanship and attention to detail in setting the scene, I am able to pick up on what’s happening and fall into that world. I didn’t ever get what was happening in Bloodflower. The characters were hastily introduced, and vocabulary was thrown in like confetti with very little explanation. There was no unifying tie that held the book together. Instead, it was a string of plot points that Jaden and sometimes Jon or Eli (whose backstories could be really meaningful if developed further!) were pulled through. I wanted to love this story, and I think with the help of a strong editor it can go far, which is why I rated it 2/5 stars.
November 16, 2022
Themes, lessons, insights, interesting characters; Bloodflower lacks all of these.
I guess I could forgive this story if it were like the SciFi Pulp grocery store books from the 1970s, but readers aren't given that courtesy. Readers aren't given the courtesy of any kind of intelligence; the author broadcasts how the story ends from miles away and hammers it home. There is nothing left to expect. When this is over, the reader can only be surprised if they are intentionally not paying attention to how the story is unfolding - akin to a 10-year-old with severe ADHD on four cans of Red Bull and a double espresso trying to watch a Poirot or James Elroy mystery.
If this is a love triangle with a Will They/Won't They spin, this maybe ought to be a tortured romance with spaceships. This story sells a sexy adventure about a woman on the run from...someone...because she's rather powerful and wants to run off with her reincarnated boyfriend.
I'm a gamer: even I'm saying that this is kind of a stretch.
There was more romantic buildup in Super Mario Bros than in Bloodflower's Jaden and Jon. Jon has a cultural tradition where he's from: if you bond, you're married. Through an accident Jon bonded with Jaden. Dragging this plot point is e x c r u t i a t i n g. No valid reason has been given for this, and creating conflict through improper communication is some of the weakest possible writing. It's a cheap copout for creating a real issue.
What's painful about this is that Jaden's real desire to find her reincarnated ex (this story does not spend NEARLY enough time trying to justify how that relationship will simply pick up where it left off, given "hundreds" of reincarnations) is a natural point of conflict, and we're robbed of that for...lazy reasons.
Villains are more antagonists than bad people - but they're coded to be Evil McBadguy characters. T'would be nice if they did something that made them at all menacing to Jaden.
This is a 600-page version of One Punch Man, except there's no punchline, there's no joke, there's an improper setup, the author doesn't quite know the story they're telling, the story contradicts itself, and there's no reason Bloodflower's version of Saitama isn't pulling out the big guns.
The part that REALLY irritates me though? I went to the author's twitter page and there are a number of people leaving 5-star reviews who JUST SO HAPPEN to be really good friends and self-published authors themselves. All of the self-admitted critique partners and ERC readers can't possibly be unbiased; the book is too bad to say that honestly.
There's nothing wrong with self-publishing. I've written a few short guides on how to handle certain aspects of living. I won't pretend that writing non-fiction is the same as fiction. This book needed a friendly adversarial developmental editor to tell the author to cut this story; probably by at least half.
If you like long stories that aren't consistent and are low-key disrespectful to Roma and Native Americans, maybe pick up Bloodflower if it gets discounted to $1.
I guess I could forgive this story if it were like the SciFi Pulp grocery store books from the 1970s, but readers aren't given that courtesy. Readers aren't given the courtesy of any kind of intelligence; the author broadcasts how the story ends from miles away and hammers it home. There is nothing left to expect. When this is over, the reader can only be surprised if they are intentionally not paying attention to how the story is unfolding - akin to a 10-year-old with severe ADHD on four cans of Red Bull and a double espresso trying to watch a Poirot or James Elroy mystery.
If this is a love triangle with a Will They/Won't They spin, this maybe ought to be a tortured romance with spaceships. This story sells a sexy adventure about a woman on the run from...someone...because she's rather powerful and wants to run off with her reincarnated boyfriend.
I'm a gamer: even I'm saying that this is kind of a stretch.
There was more romantic buildup in Super Mario Bros than in Bloodflower's Jaden and Jon. Jon has a cultural tradition where he's from: if you bond, you're married. Through an accident Jon bonded with Jaden. Dragging this plot point is e x c r u t i a t i n g. No valid reason has been given for this, and creating conflict through improper communication is some of the weakest possible writing. It's a cheap copout for creating a real issue.
What's painful about this is that Jaden's real desire to find her reincarnated ex (this story does not spend NEARLY enough time trying to justify how that relationship will simply pick up where it left off, given "hundreds" of reincarnations) is a natural point of conflict, and we're robbed of that for...lazy reasons.
Villains are more antagonists than bad people - but they're coded to be Evil McBadguy characters. T'would be nice if they did something that made them at all menacing to Jaden.
This is a 600-page version of One Punch Man, except there's no punchline, there's no joke, there's an improper setup, the author doesn't quite know the story they're telling, the story contradicts itself, and there's no reason Bloodflower's version of Saitama isn't pulling out the big guns.
The part that REALLY irritates me though? I went to the author's twitter page and there are a number of people leaving 5-star reviews who JUST SO HAPPEN to be really good friends and self-published authors themselves. All of the self-admitted critique partners and ERC readers can't possibly be unbiased; the book is too bad to say that honestly.
There's nothing wrong with self-publishing. I've written a few short guides on how to handle certain aspects of living. I won't pretend that writing non-fiction is the same as fiction. This book needed a friendly adversarial developmental editor to tell the author to cut this story; probably by at least half.
If you like long stories that aren't consistent and are low-key disrespectful to Roma and Native Americans, maybe pick up Bloodflower if it gets discounted to $1.
May 1, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We start the story with Jon and his friend, being pursued by the Rakir. But for some reason, Jon is attracted to go to a certain location. When he sees a woman waking up in some sort of green substance, he felt the desire to rescue her.
Jaden wakes up with the face of Jon looming over her. How long did she rested in hibernation, more then 4000 years, that is not possible. When she is able to get out of her pod, she ties Jon's energy to her energy, a forbidden act in her time.
Now bonded to each other, they both feel the pull of desire tugging at their senses. But Jaden is on a mission to find her long lost lover with or without the help of Jon. And Jon is determent to make Jaden his.
The tale is founded in a world where people who have even the smallest traces of magic, are thrown in prison to be tortured and taken advantage off by the men who rule. It's intriguing that Jaden is being chased by the one who imprisoned her. And another predator is on the loose, determined to make Jon pay through the woman he loves. But not all is as it seems and there is a much bigger secret that is slowly unraveling.
There are certainly at the end some steamy, erotic parts in it, also the connection that Jaden has with the moon, makes her unstable. The world building is amazing , especially when they enter the Dark Isle. Nothing makes sense , but even here, there are opposite opinions regarding the Guardian. Troublemaker or savior?
It makes for a very entertaining tale with Jon and Jaden in the middle. A fantasy/sci-fi action, adventure story that grips you until the end. Will Jaden find her long lost lover Kale and what will she do with the self-evident attraction she feels for Jon?
We start the story with Jon and his friend, being pursued by the Rakir. But for some reason, Jon is attracted to go to a certain location. When he sees a woman waking up in some sort of green substance, he felt the desire to rescue her.
Jaden wakes up with the face of Jon looming over her. How long did she rested in hibernation, more then 4000 years, that is not possible. When she is able to get out of her pod, she ties Jon's energy to her energy, a forbidden act in her time.
Now bonded to each other, they both feel the pull of desire tugging at their senses. But Jaden is on a mission to find her long lost lover with or without the help of Jon. And Jon is determent to make Jaden his.
The tale is founded in a world where people who have even the smallest traces of magic, are thrown in prison to be tortured and taken advantage off by the men who rule. It's intriguing that Jaden is being chased by the one who imprisoned her. And another predator is on the loose, determined to make Jon pay through the woman he loves. But not all is as it seems and there is a much bigger secret that is slowly unraveling.
There are certainly at the end some steamy, erotic parts in it, also the connection that Jaden has with the moon, makes her unstable. The world building is amazing , especially when they enter the Dark Isle. Nothing makes sense , but even here, there are opposite opinions regarding the Guardian. Troublemaker or savior?
It makes for a very entertaining tale with Jon and Jaden in the middle. A fantasy/sci-fi action, adventure story that grips you until the end. Will Jaden find her long lost lover Kale and what will she do with the self-evident attraction she feels for Jon?
December 29, 2021
A unique plot with a slow start. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This story is about a woman who has been in a cryo chamber for a LONG time and when she comes out, has somehow become a god to the world and a lot has changed. However, she is being chased still by the same tyrant who was the villain in her own time. This also explores the theme of reincarnation. Seems like there was a ton of potential with the characters and the world building, that didn't quite meet the mark.
I actually did enjoy reading this book but it took me quite a long time to become engaged with the plot and where it was going. I like that it is very unique, but at times had a hard time envisioning the world and how it came to be. Though I was conflicted for most of the book, toward the end I really did come to enjoy it and appreciated how it all came together and was action packed to the end. I also did enjoy the characters, though I think they could have been more built out as there was so much there with each of them and the world they lived in etc. that seemed like great potential. There is kind of a love triangle (rectangle?) depending on how you look at it, but really didn't fully deliver on this aspect of the story either. All in all, I do suggest reading this book if you enjoy sci-fi stories and are looking for something different.
I actually did enjoy reading this book but it took me quite a long time to become engaged with the plot and where it was going. I like that it is very unique, but at times had a hard time envisioning the world and how it came to be. Though I was conflicted for most of the book, toward the end I really did come to enjoy it and appreciated how it all came together and was action packed to the end. I also did enjoy the characters, though I think they could have been more built out as there was so much there with each of them and the world they lived in etc. that seemed like great potential. There is kind of a love triangle (rectangle?) depending on how you look at it, but really didn't fully deliver on this aspect of the story either. All in all, I do suggest reading this book if you enjoy sci-fi stories and are looking for something different.
March 13, 2022
Disclaimers: I received “Bloodflower” by KJ Harrowick as an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review. I really enjoyed this story. It was very well written. I liked the comaraderie of Jon and his crew, and how they accepted Jaden into their 'family'. It's a shame that Eli has so much pain and wants to punish Jon as he does - I wish that could have been resolved somehow. The story moved well between different POVs and locales, and there were many interesting types of people described throughout. I definitely recommend this book to folks who enjoy action, science fiction, and a bit of romance.
April 13, 2022
The story had a lot of good elements. I didn't like the fear factor about Frank, and this led to me not reading the book full time. The technology and magic was very interesting to read about.
February 26, 2023
Altered Carbon meets Mass Effect.
An enjoyable read through many worlds and love throughout time.
An enjoyable read through many worlds and love throughout time.
March 3, 2023
(DNF at 43%) I'm very torn about continuing this, but I don't think I will.
I will say I did love the worldbuilding. The feel of this grim, medieval world on top of what once has been an advanced society. Four thousand years have passed since the heroine last saw her home and it's just a cool concept. I wish I had more of an idea how things looked like in the beginning so I can feel it too. There are little tidbits about an Allience, the large spaceship above this world, Jaden's grandfather who had a farm, and some weird magic the moon has. Jaden was held captive for her power, then hybernated. She wakes, and it's clear that her people somehow devolved into this sword and sorcery type of society after all this time. She's looking for her love, Kale, who apparently reincarnated since then (science fantasy reincarnation? Hell yeah. :D)
And then her magic connects her with Jon, the person who finds her, in a strange bond, and she has to navigate her feelings and the dangerous new world...
If this sounds intriguing to you, I recommend you try it! My own problems with the book come from personal preferences in storytelling and when connecting to characters, and perhaps I didn't read the book at the right time. Maybe one day I'll try again! The concept is great, the writing is interesting if a bit dense sometimes, and I really do appreciate the whole idea -- the tech-magic is cool, and the scenery had a distinct feel to it that intrigued me.
I will say I did love the worldbuilding. The feel of this grim, medieval world on top of what once has been an advanced society. Four thousand years have passed since the heroine last saw her home and it's just a cool concept. I wish I had more of an idea how things looked like in the beginning so I can feel it too. There are little tidbits about an Allience, the large spaceship above this world, Jaden's grandfather who had a farm, and some weird magic the moon has. Jaden was held captive for her power, then hybernated. She wakes, and it's clear that her people somehow devolved into this sword and sorcery type of society after all this time. She's looking for her love, Kale, who apparently reincarnated since then (science fantasy reincarnation? Hell yeah. :D)
And then her magic connects her with Jon, the person who finds her, in a strange bond, and she has to navigate her feelings and the dangerous new world...
If this sounds intriguing to you, I recommend you try it! My own problems with the book come from personal preferences in storytelling and when connecting to characters, and perhaps I didn't read the book at the right time. Maybe one day I'll try again! The concept is great, the writing is interesting if a bit dense sometimes, and I really do appreciate the whole idea -- the tech-magic is cool, and the scenery had a distinct feel to it that intrigued me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2021
Very much enjoyed this book! I got to read an ARC, and it had delicious worldbuilding and well-shaped characters.
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