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The nightmares are back.
Years after the deaths of his parents, the dreams that haunted Jax have returned.
He’s about to discover why, by being burned alive, just like they were.
When the flames subside, the man left standing isn’t the same one who burned.

The Numen allows him to see the Whispers.
Jax is a Myth, a descendant of a lost bloodline, born to fight the darkness hunting humanity.
Guided by others like him, he reaches Mythaven, a magical sanctuary cut into the Colorado mountains.
His new friends need his help, but Jax must conquer the demons of his past before he can save the future.

Fantasy and reality are two sides of the same page.
The lore is real, witches, werewolves, nymphs, and even dragons exist amongst us.
Hidden throughout time, they’ve been fighting, dying, for humanity.
When myth becomes truth, can Jax make it through his own story?

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2022

38 people are currently reading
254 people want to read

About the author

R.R. Carter

2 books35 followers
I love to read and create stories that highlight the complexities of the mind and spirit. With a few fantasy or sci-fi elements, of course. I'm a big believer in finding the light within the darkness and that all people are capable of being the hero in someone's story, especially their own.

I am a blissfully married mother of three amazing creatures...er...children, three amazing children. A lifelong absorber of fiction, lover of dragons, and all things supernatural. Basically, I’m a full-fledged fantasy nerd forever roasting in the desert sun. I've always had a bone-deep love of literature and creating worlds where the mundane becomes magical. I hope you join me in the worlds I create and find the same comfort in them I've always found in fantasy novels.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Sue Miz .
708 reviews923 followers
November 23, 2023
I am so happy that my Goodreads reading challenge ended with this book❤️❤️
I'm always a bit apprehensive if my goals end with a not-so-good of a book

It should be noted that this is by an indie, self-published author, and though it is 206 pages, it is so much better than most of the trad. pub. Books I've read this year

I had this one sitting on my tbr shelf for quite sometimes and I picked it for my bookclub challenge. One of my prompts called for a dragon book 🐉

So I was " dragon, 206 pages, this would be a quick read"
What I didn't expect is this new, fast paced concept that would quickly draw me in

🔹️theme: low fantasy
🔹️characters: dragon-shifters, nymphs, Witches, Werewolves
🔹️tropes: found family
🔹️POV: third person
🔹️ Ending: kinda standalone but part of series
🔹️spice: not even black pepper 😅 so it's a safe read
🔹️TW: I don't think there should be, but just to be on the safe side, murder

I loved the simplicity yet completion of the world-building and magic system. Everything is explained and understood

The writing is flowing with one-liners that would leave you laughing, thinking, contemplatin, or a bit sad.

There was like 1% romance and to be honest, I did not mind that because this was not the focus of the book. I wished the book was 50 pages more to dwell more on the concept of grief, loss and gain.

But I have the 2nd boo, and it's chunky, so hopefully we'll see more
Profile Image for Nellie Steele.
Author 120 books502 followers
March 4, 2022
Born of Fire is based on a really intriguing and unique concept. The prose makes it easy to read and the world-building is well-done. The main character is likeable and the circumstances for the conflict are well-described and setup. The story itself is interesting and you’ll want to keep reading to find out what happens next.

This is a great read for anyone who loves a fantasy/reality mashup.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,192 reviews119 followers
March 9, 2022
BORN OF FIRE is the first book in the Myths and Whispers series, and we start way, waaay back, with the beginning of the Myths. Then we fast-forward to the current day and Jax, a twenty-year-old carpenter who lost his parents in a tragic accident. Or was it?

Being as this is the first book, be prepared for a lot of world-building and explanations. They are done in a way so you don't really notice them, which is excellent! Jax is completely unaware of who or what he is, so we learn as he does.

Told completely from his perspective, this story has some interesting aspects. I found the latter part of the book more interesting, but I realise that the first part is absolutely necessary.

The one question I had all the way through is what about Gertie? He played chess with her all those Saturdays but then she's never mentioned again. I wanted to know more!

A great start to a new series and definitely an author to keep a lookout for. Recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Profile Image for Judah Lamey.
Author 6 books14 followers
February 17, 2023
A wonderful, and exciting found family adventure that will leave you wanting more. There is a lot to love about this book, but one of things that I liked so much was how it built and led into the next book without leaving you on a pull-out-your-hair-in-frustration-cliff-hanger. The characters, the twists and turns and the lore building were all so well handled. Thinking back, it’s hard to pick out something I think I would have wanted differently. 5 Stars in every category.
AND the potential with what could come next is freaking epic (no spoilers, you just have to read it)
Profile Image for Krysta .
Author 3 books136 followers
February 25, 2023
Born of Fire is intriguing and unique concept. The story kept me on my toes and turning pages the moment I got my hands on the book. It is easy to read and the world-building is well-done.

I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good fantasy with dragons, secrets, myths and more!
Profile Image for Jillian N Of the Stag’s Hall.
79 reviews
May 7, 2023
This book was a fast start and a fast finish for me. The writing and the worldbuilding are well-done and fully enveloping. Out the gate the story is a page-turner.
The characters are very real and easy to love. Anna’s youthful curiosity and precociousness are endearing. Jax is the right amount of complexity and goodness with a traumatic past. The nymphs are quintessentially what a modern day nymph would be and I loved it.

Like I said, the stakes are high in the story, but the overall tone of the world gave it a cozy feel. Most of the middle I would have likened the story telling to cozy fantasy (cozy urban fantasy?)

It’s totally a matter of opinion, but those lower stakes in the middle made that part of the story droop a little (just a little!) for me.

Let me explain (and I’m doing so I may provide some spoilers):
* there are strong relationship elements in the story but a lot of it happens off-screen when I’d really liked to have seen it play out in real time. The emotional impact of Jax getting let down by not being able to pursue Elle is muted compared to the Anna-Fenrir bombshell. I wanted so much more emotional weight to their relationship
* the action scenes (the high stakes moments) in the book aren’t just good, they’re great. The stakes are approriate and the pacing is spot on. Even in the first whisper encounter you get a clear sense of the danger. That being said, the fallout of those scenes gets lost a little in the worldbuilding. Especially in the end whisper encounter, when Jax is brutally injured. His injuries are life-threatening due to the intensity and nearness of the fight. But that’s completely lost in how functional he is and how long it took for his friends to care to his injuries. The lack of urgency skewed the stakes for me, which I think might have an impact on how the rest of the danger in the series is perceived.

This book did a lot in a compact format. We’ve got an incredible world, and Mythaven is bursting with potential. I want to live there.

I’m certain the series is only getting better from here and I couldn’t urge you to jump in now more than this!
Profile Image for Liesbeth.
328 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

We start with the prologue, around 400 BC, where we get a bit of insight, or reference in the life of Anna. Why all the families from around the world found their way to this hidden valley.

Then the story shifts to Jax, who, after years, is reliving the night of his parents dead, when the house caught fire and he couldn’t save them. When inadvertently he touches a whisper…

Whispers are deadly and he should be dead, especially when an all-consuming fire rushes over him. When woken up, he finds himself in a stranger’s car, with strangers looking at him. First, he thinks he is being kidnapped, but the truth is even scarier.

Of a burning desire to know what they are and who he is, he must tag along with them. What he hears turns his world upside down. A world where his Numen can see the whispers, and dragons, werewolves, nymphs, Valkyries, and many more, are real. From feeling lost, he finds himself home in the sanctuary of Mythhaven.

When all is revealed, a nagging consciousness starts to torment Jax, was he the reason his parents died? To quell his demons, he embarks on a journey that would mostly likely claim his life. But if he doesn’t confront his demons… what will happen to the world?

A world where magic was created and evolved throughout the centuries. Where the scientific world meets the magic world, interwoven with folklore about werewolves, dragons, and nymphs. I found it very entertaining and where I always love the part when somebody clueless of where they come from or who they are, find out they are magical. Are we not secretly wishing that we are somehow special?
Profile Image for Julia Sarene.
1,690 reviews202 followers
July 12, 2022
💥 Read for SPFBO, this is only MY personal opinion, group verdict might differ wildly! 💥

Born of Fire is a quick and easy read. It is definitely on the light side, both in lack of complexity, and in the main characters being the good guys fighting the evil dark.

Despite some bad things happening, like the main character having lost his parents in a house fire before the book even begins, this is more of a hopeful read.

For me personally, it all was just a bit too fluffy and easy. The characters are supposed to be roughly 20 years old, but they felt more like a ragtag team of teenagers, than you g adults to me. Especially Jax, who seems very insecure and naive.

The book is in third person, but we frequently get told what people think, and it just didn't fit smoothly into the prose or story, but instead grinded a bit on me when reading. Especially as the thoughts often just felt like something from middle grade, and not those of a 19 year old.

Yep, of course, she only cares about the green things. Jax laughed at his internal quip.


The whole group dynamic, dialogue and romance also felt just a bit shallow and too easy. Everyone is always friendly and forgiving, and as I said before, just all around great people. Some people might live it exactly for this. I however really missed a bit of grey area, or even just something more unique for each of them.

The world also didn't feel deep and three dimensional, but more like a staged scene. I really like the idea of Myths in our world, but it just didn't really draw me into the story.

All in all an enjoyable and quick read, which will probably appeal to people whoa re looking for some light reading. Especially if you enjoy YA and / or noblebright.
Profile Image for Jashae.
10 reviews
March 13, 2023
Insane storytelling and amazing writing

So this story started a little differently. The first section being so vastly different from the rest of the book. But once it shifted to Jax’s perspective it was so insanely cool. It was such a slow build to what the story really would be about.

Jax feels so real to me as a reader because unlike a lot of stories like this, he isn’t some “I’ve known in special and amazing all my life!!” type of character. He’s clueless, and just as blind as we are as the reader. We are learning the truth of this story **with** Jax. Not because of or through him.

His personality feels right, he’s smart but clueless, he’s careful but reckless, and he’s rational but insane at times. His emotions are real and they feel like what I imagine I would feel in the situations they are in. He makes reading this novel from “his” perspective an honestly fascinating experience for me. I am a reader who often avoids novels written from the perspective of a male, or over the shoulder of a male because they are so often not a relatable experience, but this was **actually amazing** to read!

The characters are simply stunning to behold and the way they change and interact is even more satisfying. I cannot **wait** for the second part of this story!!!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Burton.
256 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2023
pleasantly surprised

3.75 🌟
This book started off with 2 of my favorite tropes- found family and hidden powers. I enjoyed the build up to the overarching story. I’m highly intrigued to see where this all goes. I also enjoy the little bits of myth we’ve gotten to see, building up the world. I do feel the pacing was a little bit awkward, the beginning to meeting the found family felt a little rushed, Jax accepting his powers felt a little unrealistic- like if I discovered I was destined to fight the powers of darkness with my super cool magical abilities I’d need like, more than a few minutes to come to grips with that. But I also appreciate that it wasn’t drawn out and angsty. I’m enjoying the characters and can’t wait to get more of a backstory, especially Anna. The big fight scene at the end of the book was satisfying and added so many more questions at the same time.

Over all I’m excited to read book 2 when it comes out!
Profile Image for Tori.
299 reviews22 followers
February 20, 2023
I don't even know where to begin!

The beginning of BoF takes place waaaaay back in 400 BC, and we learn about a young girl and her family that recently moved to a whole new land from their home. Anna is confused, but quickly learns that there's something going on and her family, as well as several others, are important. After they gather and perform a ritual during an eclipse, the chapter ends.

Next we meet 19 Jax in present day Colorado. Almost immediately he's thrust into conflict with a demon-like thing and he's able to vanquish it without knowing how. He's saved by three people around his age as they 'kidnap' him.

Over the course of the next several months Jax learns a lot about his ancestry as well as himself. He's even able to take care of the thing that upturned his life when he was only 16!

Born of Fire has Found Family, Hidden Powers, Forbidden Love, and it perfectly blends a fantasy world with our world. I'm looking forward to book two!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
57 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2022
You’re going to want this one in your hands and at the front of your TBR ASAP! The premise of this story was new to me and completely unique to anything I have read recently. From a sneak peek of the past to lay the foundation for a more present day story, Carter instantly hooks you with this page turner.

You learn as Jax learns and his questions are your questions. His unlikely crew of found family, finding who & what he really is and how their stories intertwine is the perfect base for a story that could span into an even greater series when all said and done.

And please don’t get me started on the glimpse into book 2 - I NEED it now! I need to know all the things that got us from Book 1 to that moment in Book 2.

I highly recommend this book! Carter is a fantastic new author to jump all in on and I can’t wait to see where she goes from here!
Profile Image for Rebekah Doss.
Author 4 books20 followers
January 18, 2023
It's written so well. The background and history that was done for the concept, the characters, and just everything has so much detail. The blending of realism into the fantasy, magical world, was greatly done.

The Mythaven family that Jax becomes a part of is a fun crowd - though serious things are going on, and needing to find other Myths, they aren't all doom-and-gloom.

For a book to have different types of magical creatures, good versus evil, some slight romance, and being plunged into a magical world - it was done well. I've read books that seemed like they tried to throw creatures together to have a roster, but it would just make it convoluted. Or the stories wouldn't be fleshed out enough to make sense.

This makes sense. And I absolutely cannot wait for the second book. That Sneak Peek into book 2 was killer.
Profile Image for Talis Jones.
Author 29 books49 followers
January 15, 2023
This book scratched an itch I didn't even know I had. Fantasy, reality, dragons, myths, paranormal, ancient secrets and destinies, found family, secret abilities...the list goes on but suffice it to say it checks many many boxes and does it in a well-paced easy to sink into style that kept me engaged from start to finish. Did I know this was something I needed to read? No, but it sounded interesting and figured why not. Well now I've read it and not only do I need book two, but I need more people to embark on this series. Born of Fire takes the familiar and sends it into an addicting tailspin of unique magic, lovable characters, thrilling stakes, and an adventure that's only just begun. Definitely give this one a chance. (Plus how awesome is the cover??).
Profile Image for karl.loves.the.books.
235 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2023
I really liked this book! Just a really great fantasy story. Don’t get me wrong I love all genres but something about a solid fantasy takes me back. And that’s the feeling I got from this. I loved that the story starts at the beginning and carries into modern time. The world building was on point. Nymphs, dragons, werewolves, witches oh my. If your looking for a fantasy filled with heavy spice this is not that, but if your looking for a good fantasy filled great world building and even better characters then this is for you. Im a huge smut reader but I love when I find a story that can carry itself without and this definitely can!!!! I can’t wait for more. Definite recommend for me as always make sure your comfortable with what your reading. Happy Reading Book Besties 💙
442 reviews8 followers
June 30, 2022
Excellent Book

I can hardly wait for the next book. Jax's parents died in a fire when he was young and he always thought he was somehow to blame. Jax will find out he is part of the magical world and bloodlines where witches, werewolves, nymphs, and dragons are supposed to keep evil from taking over. The plan was derailed centuries ago and now Jax, Anna, and the others must learn to work together to fight evil and save others. Jax is special too. No spoilers read this book. Very well written, descriptive story line, with excellent character development. So ready for book 2.
Profile Image for Spades DeLuca.
118 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2023
SPOILER FREE REVIEW:
When I tell you that the set-up and world building with this book has been an absolute favorite of mine this year, I mean ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.

You start off with a sort of "here is where we started" and morph into a "here is where we are". And it leaves you with just the right amount of questions. (Super intrigued but not frustrated, ya know?)

Magic ✅
Found family ✅
Epic world building ✅
Loveable characters ✅
Epic fantasy bordering on wholesome action? ✅✅


I seriously hope book 2 answers the few questions I had left and blows it out of the water as well as this one did.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
March 26, 2022
Jax's Story . . .

This is the beginning of the series, so it spent some time in getting the reader prepared for what was coming and setting the background for understanding what would occur going forward. Jax finds out at last that he is a Myth born to fight the darkness. He is learning what is expected of him, which is critical before he can be of help to others. Let the world-building surround you and put you in the perspective you need to enjoy the story. The characters are well-presented and the story will pull you in as you get further into the reading. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Lizz.
98 reviews11 followers
February 25, 2023
This book was unlike any Fantasy book I have read.
As much as I’m a sucker for big world building, this had minimal world building as it is set in our world. But the author focuses a lot on the Myths and their lines and loved that.
This is the perfect fantasy book if you are looking for a shorter fantasy read and need that fix or if you are just getting into the fantasy world as there are not confusing world names or character names.

There is a lot of history with the myth lines so I would love a prequel on the myths to get even more of their history.
Profile Image for David.
5 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2023
This is absolutely captivating!

This is a fast paced, tight read. So much happens, twists & turns, revelations & prophesies. These characters are so easy to fall in love with as they reveal themselves to each other. Can't wait to consume the next book in this series! There is so much more to be revealed as one gets a glimpse of what is to come. If you like fantasy in a world as close to our world, then this is a wonderful read!!! Having lived in Colorado, it was nice to see references that made me smile & remember my early teen years.
Profile Image for R M.
55 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2023
Finding this book and author is going to be a major highlight for me in 2023! Born of Fire is a truly amazing fantasy story. From the moment you fall into the world in 400 BC to the modern world you’ll never want to leave. The characters and so enveloping and well written I wish I knew them in real life! I simply cannot wait for the next book and the continuation of the amazing world R.R. Carter has graciously given to us! Thank you for the bottom of my dragon loving heart!
Profile Image for E.L..
Author 6 books48 followers
February 2, 2023
So much fun!

I stumbled on this book on my TikTok FYP and the dragon on the cover had me pushing the book to the top of my TBR pile.
It was so good! So much fun! I cannot get over how much I got drawn into the story almost as soon as I picked up the book. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
If you like magic set in the current world you should definitely give this book a try.
Also zero spice, which is a nice change.
Profile Image for Spiffie Tiffie.
Author 1 book6 followers
May 7, 2023
I'm emotionally invested!

Oh my goodness! Where to start??
I guess I'll start by saying I absolutely fell in love with the characters! Their journey, their struggles, what they learn, how they fight! It was all amazing! ALL OF IT I SAY! The story is well written. It's so greatly done, I lost myself in this book...could visually imagine what was happening, as if I was right there with the characters! Mad props to the author! Downloading book 2 now, I'm so ready for more!
Profile Image for Michelle Taylor.
240 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2025
Fantasy meets super here

If you love fantasy and you love Marvel I would suggest jumping into this world. It takes place in modern times with a fantasy twist. Kind of like x men but with dragons and werewolves. The vivid and detailed descriptions of the characters and magic feel like you are in the story. I can see the water move and become sold. It’s beautifully written and I’m so invested in this story.
Profile Image for Amanda Jean.
134 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2022
The prose are easy to read, characters are likable and overall super enjoyable book I wish there was a little more gray area and drama between the crew to make me feel more for them. Although they were relatable, I just didn’t get quite as attached as I would like but it was still a really enjoyable reading experience and definitely will continue to be reading books written by the author.
Profile Image for Kate0321.
235 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2023
This book had an amazing world/myth building aspect and involved the stories of old with the modern world. I loved the character development and quickly fell in love with the tenacity of the main character Jax as he discovers that not only is he a dragon descendant of an over two thousand year old bloodline but also a werewolf. I can’t wait to see how the story continues in book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Eliza_lovesbooks.
294 reviews104 followers
January 28, 2023
Love the concept! Book 1 was full of world building, and character development but without being boring. In the quiet moments of the story line the reader really gains a lot of insight into the plot and overarching narrative. I loved Jax and loved seeing him come to life as his story unfolded. Looking forward to book 2!

This book was low spice for me.
Profile Image for Mollie  Hardman.
43 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2023
And now I have to buy a physical copy....

I love characters that grab you by your bootstraps and drag you along with them. Imagine being a dragon shifter, but having no idea until you spontaneously catch fire and don't burn. Finding your "found family" by being kidnapped by them first. Entering a world of magic you didn't know existed, and suddenly everything you knew this morning takes on a different meaning... I love it! FYI, Jax is not your average dragon. Wait for it! 😉
Found family, found purpose, forbidden love, characters that become your friends. This book has it all!
Profile Image for Josie-LunarKitCatReads.
95 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2023
I am very glad I discovered this book and the author R. R. Carter. I love reading books that have dragon lore. This story has so much more then dragons. This is the first book in the series, and as I read the book the characters and story developed in the right pace. I became attached to the characters and wanting to know more. I am eagerly waiting for book 2!
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