Frostfire: Book One of The Dark Inbetween

by Sam Thorne, Lauren Ivey

For centuries, the people of Tennebrum have been plagued by demons that crawl from the shadows of their very homes. Yet to Kyran, these demons and the hunters that fight them are naught but Isleish fireside tales, until one night in Tennebrum, Kyran wakes to the sounds of screams and flames. Born as a mage with rare magical talent granted by his curse-wrought blood, Kyran rushes into the inferno to find the demons are more than simple stories.Kyran does not stand alone—Barrett, a fire-wielding demon hunter haunted by guilt and regret, rides out of the black of night, sweeping Kyran into the once in a lifetime opportunity to join the tumultuous and deadly life of a Guild-sanctioned hunter. But it doesn’t take long for Barrett to sense Kyran isn’t telling him everything about his stay in Tennebrum, and Kyran must decide whether to stay shackled by his secrets or chase the chance of becoming a Hunter. As Kyran struggles to choose, a powerful demon from Barrett’s past returns to stalk the mage, threatening to devour Kyran as it had his former partner. Barrett fights desperately to keep Kyran safe against the fate that he swore to never allow anyone to suffer again even as the noose of Kyran’s secrets tighten around his neck.

Genres: Fantasy, Demons, Queer Fantasy

352 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2021

About the author

An avid reader since they were old enough to hold a book, Sam Thorne began writing in the tender years of middle school at the behest of their best friend and current coauthor, prompted by the words 'just do it'. Taking these words to heart, they have made it their mission to write the queer fiction they have always wanted to see on their shelves. They currently reside everywhere in the U.S at once as they travel constantly for work and family, and it takes an astronomer studied in the occult, a tributary coffee, and a roll of the dice to be able to tell when the stars might align for them to appear.

Reviews

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via StoryOrigin. This has not influenced my review.*

When the authors classified this as dark fantasy, they were really not kidding! This was definitely dark. What one of these characters went through was horrendously awful, both physically and mentally. The other character struggled with guilt and regret and grief and blamed himself for awful things that happened to people he cared about. There was also a lot of gory, gruesome stuff described in graphic detail. The story was not entirely without hope though. There are still dangers to come, I'm sure, but this book ended on a relatively high note.

There was a solid story and world-building. There was a magic system involving demons, hunters, and mages. There were some action-filled and magic-filled fight scenes, which I admittedly wasn't always super into, but you'll probably enjoy them if you are into fight scenes.

But as much action and world-building as there was, this was still a book that stayed very close to the two main characters, focused on their feelings and wants and struggles. I still need to get to know them a bit more before forming a strong connection with them, but this was a good start. They were believable, and Kyran and Barrett were both likeable and easy to feel for. Kyran was solemn, stoic, quiet, and had a hard time trusting others, but good-hearted and willing to risk himself to help people in danger. (This book will appeal to anyone who likes that trope of a man with a hard outer shell being a softie for a child he finds himself unexpectedly caring for.) Barrett was struggling with grief and guilt and maybe a drinking problem, but he was friendly, always compassionate and understanding toward Kyran, and also wanting to protect people. And some of the side characters were interesting for their grayness, how they weren't exactly likeable, but I couldn't quite dislike them either since they did do some good.

This is a great book for anyone who is looking for queer rep that isn't focused on romance. There seemed to be a hint of potential future romance, and I'm curious to see how the relationship between Kyran and Barrett will continue to progress, but nothing has happened yet.

There was also disability rep. *SPOILER* Kyran lost a leg, and so far there was no mention of fixing it with magic or anything, so it looks like the disability might be here to stay. *END SPOILER*

A few extra things potential readers might like to know... I saw a review that made me think the book might have head-hopping, but I didn't notice any, just two separate POVs. I've also seen some reviews that mention this feels like two books, but I felt it all went together and made sense as one book. Not saying anyone is wrong! Just offering my opinion. There's also lots of Scottish speak/accent (or similar, since this is set in a fantasy world) in the text.

Overall, this was a solid start to a dark fantasy series with demons and mages and magic, and I'd like to get to know these characters more!

Trigger/Content Warnings: *SPOILER* Graphic, violent rape scene. Other graphic and gory violence. Sort of torture. Vomiting. *END SPOILER*

*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*

Recommended For:
Anyone who likes dark high fantasy, queer rep that doesn't mostly focus on romance, magic-filled fight scenes, demons, and magic.

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[C.L. Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Dark Fantasy for a long time, but they can get rather formulaic after a while. Frostfire is a fresh take on the genre with an easy-to-follow magic system, demons who are intelligent and sinister, and main characters who use more than magic to solve their problems, which is refreshing! There is also disability rep and an M/M main storyline that's not overly sexualized/fetishized but instead focuses on a deep emotional connection! Overall a very engaging story. I can't wait to read book 2!

[Jenny Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT put this book down!! It's beautifully written and lovingly crafted- even the secondary and tertiary characters feel realistic and alive. Both Kyran and Barrett are rare gems in the fantasy genre. They are not only fully fleshed out as characters, but they fit perfectly in the deep and fascinating world that surrounds them. I found myself on the edge of my seat, relating to both of them on a level I rarely get from books in the fantasy genre. I am SO GLAD I found this book, and I cannot wait for the next one.

[James Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this book was good! I am giving it 5/5 stars. This book has magic, action, violence, and a good plot. Kyran is a mage from another land on the run because of what he is. He and Barrett meet up trying to destroy a demon. Barrett invites Kyran to join his guild of demon hunters. Once he puts in the application, Kyran’s past catches up to him. Then a demon that has hunted Barrett sets his sights on Kyran. Again, this is a good book.

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this slow burn fantasy. It was a nice change to have the magic in the forefront with the romance taking a back seat. I did find the writing style a little wordy but these authors are new to me. The story itself was plotted extremely well with a smooth flow. Great world building which may have something to do with the wordiness. It was easy to get attached to both Kyran and Barrett with all of their broken backgrounds. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Square · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very action packed! Rich in scenery and character. Honestly had me hooked from the first page. I really liked the demon villain of the story. It's so refreshing to see a character that is pure evil Just Because It Wants To Be Evil. My favorite kind of antagonist. It's also nice to see Scotland represented in a fantasy setting.

[Marty E Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book to scratch that fantasy itch during pride month! It strikes the perfect balance between character, world building, and suspense.
A MUST READ

[Riley Neither · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received a free review copy.)

This book promises queer dark fantasy, and as far as that goes, it certainly delivers. You know almost from the beginning where things will go between Barrett and Kyran, and the development of their relationship takes a scenic route, offering plenty of slow-burn romantic tension in the midst of high-stakes European-coded fantasy that, indeed, takes some pretty dark turns. The world-building about demons, magic, and the demon realm is intriguing, and I appreciated how certain humans turned out to be just as villainous as the demons.

The reason I can't rate it higher is that, as much as I liked some of these elements, the execution of them just wasn't spectacular. Some of the biggest issues for me:

(1) Probably most important, the romance felt very imbalanced. Barrett seemed to latch onto Kyran almost instantly, caring about him like nothing else mattered when they barely knew each other, but it wasn't until well into the book that I got any real sense that Kyran might have feelings for Barrett, too. This was probably exacerbated by the way Barrett just didn't seem to have a lot of personality, beyond grieving Raleigh, drinking, and trying to protect Kyran.

(2) After a while, the story started to feel tedious and repetitive, especially during the trip from Tennebrum to the Isles. I lost count of how many scenes were basically just iterations of Barrett being ineffectually mad that someone did or said something he didn't like to/about Kyran. Whenever something different and interesting came up--like finding a crutch for Kyran, or Kyran learning to walk with it--it was rushed through in no time at all, perfect solutions conveniently found/achieved right away, so we could get back to Barrett's angst. I also lost count of how many times someone hinted vaguely that Connal had done something to Kyran without ever giving a scrap of specifics; it stopped being mysterious and just became annoying.

(3) There were so many missed opportunities. For instance, when Kyran was in the demon realm, and he vented some magic into the wall, and the wall cracked and bricks fell out--why couldn't he have done that again deliberately to make the wall easier to climb? Or, instead of Barrett conveniently finding the perfect crutch for Kyran in the first place he looked, what if he had spent the three months that Kyran was basically unconscious searching for and commissioning the perfect crutch, making it both more believable and much more meaningful? There were also some things that just broke my suspension of disbelief. There was no mention of wound care, cauterization, a tourniquet, or anything like that after the demon ate Kyran's leg, so he probably should have bled to death. I also had a hard time believing that Effie, after three months during which Kyran was nonresponsive and presumably someone else was caring for her, wouldn't have warmed up to anyone else or picked up any Common words; it was like the authors just forgot that she still existed as a growing, learning, changing child through that interval.

(4) The prose was bland and could have used some copy-editing.

So, overall: This book had a lot going for it and I wish I could rate it higher, but the execution left too much to be desired.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Three dimensional and believable characters who carry their quirks and habits and sense of humour from a relaxed scene into a pretty horrendous one; solid world building, with lore introduced at the right pace to leave me wanting more, not bored of the explanations and not confused; and a plot that is engaging and with the right amount of fast and slow paced. The writing style is easy to read, engaging, and paints a picture. Not my usual type of book - leans beyond fantasy into elements of horror at times, I think - but still loved it. I’ll keep an eye out for sequels. I’m not done with these characters or the lore of this world just yet - and I get the impression the writers aren’t, either!

[Tiffany Fratres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start for a new Fantasy series. I liked the characters and setting and the emotions that I went through right along with the characters. The story line is easy to follow and well written for teens through adults. The characters grow with each other like any relationships do without the easy-to-guess the outcome. I can't wait to see how the story line develops with the next installment. Bad guys that are bad, good guys that have problems, people being people - endings that leave you wanting more.

[Lucy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a hard time following the plot due to the overly complex wordiness. Getting into it beyond the first chapter was a definite struggle, between the poorly written dialect accent, and the wordy, almost-conflicting descriptions. The dialogue felt choppy and unnatural, almost like brief text messages. My biggest issue however was that there is an — albeit brief — active rape scene. My issue is not with the scene itself but the fact that there wasn’t a properly placed warning is a problem. I double checked to be sure that I wasn’t the fool, and DID find a warning — but the content warning was not placed in a spot that would be noticed unless you did what I did and went hunting. The content warning is in tiny font, hidden in the middle of the publishing information for the book. I really wanted to get into it, and while it is an interesting concept, and the world sounds like it’s supposed to be rather interesting, overall I’m disappointed in whoever made the formatting call to hide the content warning, I think it lacks some final editing polish, and it’s unnecessarily wordy and hard to follow at crucial points.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

*TW* Sexual assault
*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review *

I had a hard time getting into this book, the first few chapters felt quite bland, the dialogue wasn't the greatest and I couldn't really connect with the characters. This did improve as the story went on, the characters became a lot more 'real', the complex wordiness and info dumping started to balance out and the story started to flow more smoothly. I did end up enjoying the story overall, especially the magical elements of this world, the character development throughout and the LGBTQIA representation. My main issues with this book are the lack of trigger warning for sexual assault (I went back and checked, I didn't find any in the digital copy I received) and poor editing in places. I found myself getting distracted from the story often because of a random word in the middle of sentences that didn't correlate to what was being said.

[Evelyn Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this novel! I have gotten pretty tired over the years of the typical "swords and sorcery" fantasy with a big evil demon who secretly has a tragic backstory. This novel takes a dark fantasy story (two person team needs to fight the demons of their pasts and also literal demons), but does it in a original way. The relationship between the two leads develops pretty well, they don't immediately like each other but neither do they hate each other until the plot says the need to fall in love. The relationship feels much more organic. In addition, the villains in the story are a much needed breath of fresh air after years and years of sad villains who later turn good. Sometimes evil is just evil. All in all, I'd recommend this book if you're looking for something familiar but fresh in the dark fantasy genre! I can't wait for the sequel.

[Becky Gerhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I generally avoid fantasy novels as I can never get into them. But I read the description of this book and was intrigued, so I figured I'd give it a try and I am SO glad I did. It took a few chapters to understand the world, but once I grasped what was going on, my biggest struggle was putting this book down. It gripped me. Barrett and Kyran are both extremely deep, complex, and well-developed characters.

This book feels like two separate books in one; and I honestly don't know which one was better. The book as a whole was beautifully written. I have no clue what the authors will write next (either collaboratively or separately), but I am eagerly awaiting it and will be reading it when it's released.

[Meghan Reads MM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! My kind of fantasy novel! Focuses more on events, story, pacing, characters and doesn't get bogged down in details about everything in the world. I find that kind of thing boring. Instead this is a fast-paced adventure, horror fantasy with magic and demons and hunters.

There is a distinct first part and second part. Before and after one of the MC is tortured by a demon. It is violent, but the horror component is incorporated into the story well and doesn't feel gratuitous at all. The story is well-told through out. There are a number of loose threads that I believe the authors intend to resolve in the sequel. Despite those, the main plot for this book does have resolution.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is two books in one. I don't know if there is another or not. This story is excellent. There are some very bad times, atrocities, bigots, demons and some people who try to live in harmony with one another. Kyran has lived a very hard life. It does not get better ether. A hard book to read at times but a story that gives you hope. To keep going no matter what life throws at you. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Charity Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!!! This book pulled me right in! The two main characters have such different personalities in the beginning, but as you near the end they truly aren't that much different. It had me going through all kinds of emotions! Angry, sad, happy, and even anxious! The authors are very talented and know how to capture an image into writing!!! Powers and demons and so much more!!! Amazing book all together!!!

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read at least five books before Frostfire, and none could hold my attention...until this one.. I was blown away. I was rocked. I was captivated. The world building was so just amazing. The characters were deep. This is a must read!

[Desi Groth · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received an Ebook from StoryOrigin to give an Honest Review*.

This was wonderfully written and held my attention. I will say for someone that reads fast it was tough to bounce between the different dialect accents. I did like how well the two POV were told and it did not feel like two books put into one. It smoothly moved between them. As someone who has played MMORPG Games, this really felt like the storyline of a game I would play. I've played Mages before specifically Lightning and really enjoyed that this story brought that to life. When they said this was a Dark Fantasy book, it is very true. Everything these characters went through was not only Mentally, Emotionally but drained them of every aspect. I will say that if you are into Kilts this is for you! Ha! I did like that there was a slight romance in the story, but it didn't take away from the actual story.

However, I will say that there should be a trigger warning for sexual assault. It personally did not affect the book for me, but I know others it may.

[Melissa Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! I couldn't put it down! The struggles that Barrett and Kyran go through really pull at your heart. The action is virtually non stop and in those slow moments, you learn around their character, hardships, guilt and struggles, seeing a friendship form.
When Kyran was being eaten alive, your breath holds, feeling what he is feeling. The torture of him going mad and not knowing whether he is in the demon realm or reality made me want to just hug him! Then Barrett watching Kyran's struggle while himself dealing with his guilt and past, again you just want to hold him!
You definitely can tell Barrett cares deeply for Kyran, but Kyran's feelings for Barrett are a bit more of a mystery, though when he held out his bare hand to shake Barrett's I admit I got teary eyed. And Kyran's story that he told of his past made me cry! The poor lad!
I cannot wait to see what is next for these 2! These authors have earned a permanent place on my bookshelf!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Frostfire(The Dark Inbetween #1) by Sam Thorne and Lauren Ivey through StoryOrigin and definitely recommend. I am also looking forward to reading more by these writers.
For centuries the people of Tennebrum have been plagued with demons yet Kyran had never experienced that until one night he wakes to sounds of screams and flames. Born as a mage with a rare magical talent Kyran rushes into the inferno to find demons are more than simple stories. He does not stand alone. Barrett, a fire-wielding demon hunter rides out of the black night. After the battle it doesn't take long for Barrett to sense Kyran isn't telling him everything about his stay in Tennebrum and Kyran must decide whether to stay shackled by his secrets or chase down the chance of becoming a hunter. Unfortunately it is also discovered that Kyron is being hunted. This book is available on Amazon and I definitely recommend

[Alli Kendle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is IT YALL

So, I don’t write reviews often and I’m really hard to impress. I’m just really picky when it comes to books.
This book got me HOOKED from the first page.
I love the world the author’s built. The mages, hunter, and demons were woven together so great.
One of my biggest turn-offs with a book is not being able to picture the story unfolding in my head. This way this book read was so fluid and detailed that wasn’t a problem.
I loved the realistic interactions between the characters. There weren’t any breaches of character that made jolted me out of the story and the characters weren’t PERFECT. They had flaws and individual personalities that set them apart from each other. Even background characters were believable and detailed.
The ONLY THING that is wrong is the lack of a frickin sequel. LETS GO PEOPLE. I want to know what’s going on now please!

[Amanda J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good dark fantasy read. It had a great world, a few trigger warnings, the action and adventure all hit my points for this to be my kind of good book. I rival in the the dark reads and this didn't disappoint, Kyran and Barrett played their roles so well that I wished I could have read more about them. But instead we get this delicious book. And, as we know Kyran was resilient and caring, while Barrett was determined and vindictive. And, these traits most definitely come in handy during the well built storyline because it was done so well; these will become clear once you read the book. Now, I will say this, this is most definitely for dark fantasy readers and those who read it will most definitely enjoy it and like I previously said dark but oh so good.

[Elyse T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite indie read of the year!

An exciting debut into a world I am eager to read more about, featuring deep multi-dimensional characters I really hope we get to see more of.
This was a thrilling read I had trouble putting down, with intriguing plots and at times horrifically shocking moments. It all wrapped together nicely with some very touching moments. The characters' qualities glow like lanterns in their perfectly drawn up dark fantasy world. It's rare I come across characters so relatable and that I want to stand behind. Barrett and Kyran's budding relationship feels genuine, adding just the right dose of attachment to otherwise a story about demons, magic, and prejudice.

Bravo to Thorne and Ivey!

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is very magical, brings the reader to be transported to a whole new world of magic. There was a real balance of darkness and realm of fantasy with lightness and humor. Thorne brought the characters to life, as he penned this amazing story and created his characters. I was entranced by this story. The writing was fast-paced. This book is a real page-turner. You won’t want to put it down, so clear your schedule, get comfortable and settle in for a treat. I received a copy of this novel through StoryOrigin. This is an honest review, and my own opinions.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this unique and intriguing fantasy, although I would have liked more steam. It is much more an action and adventure story than a romance. (Just so you know.) I enjoyed the world-building and the two MCs, both wounded souls in their own way, but working to make the world better. There is magic, fantasy, mages, demons, demon-hunters, prejudice, and plenty of violence and gore. (If you have a gentle stomach, beware.) Great start, and I am looking to the next book.

I received an ARC via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Sarah Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Batman this was amazing!!! I love fantasy but have never read a truly dark fantasy until this one. Sam Thorne and Lauren Ivy did an amazing job writing this. The world building was phenomenal and I loved how the characters had flaws! One of my biggest pet peeves I. Some books is perfect characters, I just don’t want that personally. I wish there was a sequel and I hope that this author duo writes more together!

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This was REALLY good and I could not stop reading it! Much darker than I had anticipated but I enjoyed it a lot. I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series develops! There were just enough unanswered questions at the end to whet your appetite for the next book without leaving you hanging completely. I can’t wait to see how Barrett, Kyran, and Effie’s stories progress!

Trigger warning for a sexual assault scene and one detailed scene of gore.

[Melissa Scruggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book made it very difficult to get to know the characters or even to follow the story line. I think the world that the authors created definitely had potential, but I never connected with the characters. Overall it was not my cup of tea at all, but the concept of the book may have been salvaged by character development.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild ride of a dark fantasy that I enjoyed with a good story and interesting characters was rooting for. The addition of demons and magic added to the fun and danger that Kyran found himself in. Plus there was drama, secrets, surprises and demons to hunt. Had to see it all play out and what choices Kyran would make. A good story that drew me in to see how it would play out.