Light the Fire

Revolution Inferno #1

by Natalie Sloan

Revolution Inferno, Book 1
A reverse harem dystopian novel

Scorched earth will be the least of their problems when she’s through with them.

My entire life has been spent in a cage.
I’m the only one of my kind. A triple threat.
They keep me locked away, drawing my unique blood to transfuse into others so they may possess my skills.
I’m too valuable to be set free or used as the assassin I’ve trained as since I was three.
I am not a vessel.
I am not simply a bag of blood.
I am a human being—female—and we are dying out.
But I will fight until my last breath for the freedom I finally grasp.
And those who betray me will wish they were never created.
I am Haina, a triple threat Hellcat, the Angel of Death, and I will build my army, and together we will light the fire of revolution and rise from the ashes to start a fair and just new world ruled by the most compassionate, the most honest, and the most powerful: women.

Genres: Dystopia, Ebooks, Post Apocalyptic

413 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2022

Reviews

[Kate V · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 stars!

Light the Fire is the first book in the Revolution Inferno series about a dystopian society with unique characteristics. It is a RH story about Haina and her men - Zane, Rix and Jorik. I will be honest, I almost gave up on this book because it took quite a bit of time to get into the story. I didn't because I understood the world and its characters needed to be introduced. I did appreciate the originality of this story!

Haina is special and escapes from a compound where she was being used. She knows little of the outside world and what comes next for her. In her escape, she comes across three men that are also trying to escape. The four of them team up to find freedom and hopefully take down the society that wants to cage them. But Haina and the guys don't trust each other yet and the motives they each have. The more time they spend together, the more their chemistry brews and trust grows. Will they thrive or be thrown back behind bars?

Haina was a good character - strong and resilient. However, her naivety was annoying. I'm glad it didn't last too long. Zane, Rix and Jorik each had defining characteristics that made their little group work and I enjoyed the relationship development that happened between all of them. Zane though - his reluctance to form a bond with Haina was short sighted and frustrating. The steam between all of them was hot but I would have liked a little more dominance from Rix and Jorik and more time with Zane. Along with that, I was missing the emotional piece of their relationship. Their intimate scenes lacked an element of passion I like. The ending was also a little abrupt for me and I wanted more of Haina and her guys. I hope we will revisit them in later books.

Overall, if you're a fan of RH dystopian novels, then I would recommend giving this a try. I will definitely be checking out the next book in this series.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: post apocalyptic RH
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I absolutely love dystopian novels and Natalie Sloan's first did not disappoint. I really enjoyed all the world building she did to help us understand how we arrived to this point of time. The prologue was a helpful must read that set the landscape and made it a lot easier to understand (I even went back to reference it a couple of times). The book centers around Haina, a very rare Hellcat that has specific genetic traits who is attempting to escape the government after a life of being experimented on. When three soldiers are sent to retrieve her, she has to try to convince them to help her all while struggling with her "awakening" after not being allowed to truly live, up to this point.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book! It took me a bit to get into it in the beginning, but I think that was more to do with all the complex world building that had to be explained, but it was well written and had tons of action. I really enjoyed all the MMCs, their different quirks, and how protective they were of Haina, whether they really wanted to be or not /looks at Zane 👀. There were a whole lot of super smexy times, but I liked the fact they did it at their own pace. I think, for me, it probably was just over my threshold of smexy < plot, but was still enjoyable (I don't mind that once in a while). The FMC was physically strong, but still emotionally vulnerable due to her empathy and lack of "real world" experience. Her lack of knowledge about the differences between men and women definitely provided some comedic relief during their interactions, lol. Overall, a good dystopian read and the first in a series that I think is going to get better and better!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few authors who can entice me to read a RH book since I don't like to share my toys, and add in a dystopian world to the mix?! Well, it's not usually my thing, however I LOVE this author so much that I will read anything she writes under her real name or pen name but let me get to it. The United States has been renamed the United Sectors as many things have taken out the democracy so now the government is out of its ever lovin' mind & women have no rights (boy that's ironic at this time in history isn't it? LOL). Haina is a woman who is a triple threat Hellcat, and she's over what the nasty government is doing to her so she escapes. There are three supersoldiers who have escaped with her, and things really get interesting & HOT between them, but there are trust issues on both sides as they start off on a perilous journey with their own struggles also dogging their steps. So there's a lot of heat, definitely a great deal of suspense & danger with a big kicker of #GIRLPOWER, and to make it a trifecta of perfect is the very well placed humor that did have me laughing out loud a time or two. Light the Fire is a fantastic book that should be read by all book lovers, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[TipseyBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haina has been captive, tortured and used for her blood her whole life. When she finally gets the chance to escape, she takes it and ends up being joined by 3 men. Sloan has created an interesting world that feels sort of dystopian. The government has taken over and everyone is assigned to a class based on the ability to enhance or be enhanced. Hanna’s guys have been using her blood for their enhancement, but are also tortured and experimented on. I liked seeing Haina grow and figure out how her new world outside of the Sectors. There is a lot of 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. While there is an over-arching plot, this seems to just be Hanna’s story and the next book picks up with another FMC and her guys. I will definitely be checking it out :)

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a fantastic dystopian reverse harem romance. I have to admit that I didn’t quite know if it would be my thing going in and it did take me a while to get into it but once I did I couldn’t get enough. The storyline was rather complex and really interesting but also a bit hard to read given what’s going on in the world right now. Haina was both a force to be reckoned with and totally naïve and innocent. I loved that contrast within her. Zane, Rix and Joric completed her in the best way. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the whole book in one day!! I loved it so much. Very steamy! I would recommend this book to everyone!!!

[Bent Letters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Cristina]

Sharing with others.

[Nicolette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the underlying message of this book. That women are strong and powerful, because.. well, we are. I thought the virus strain was interesting in the ways that it mutated and overtime affected people differently and because of it, many were enslaved and prisoners to a government that wishes to use them for their own power and gain.

This book was SMUTTY! 🔥 When you pick up an RH book, that’s usually a guarantee but for me it was a little over the top and I have always really enjoyed RH novels. I found myself skimming over those scenes to get back to the plot. I think part of it was that the emotional side was lacking a bit.

If you have an itch to read a dystopian novel and enjoy RH, try this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Natalie really worked through so many struggles with this world. From the way the entire world changed due to water levels rising, and a virus. You definitely can’t skip the introduction to this book, it’s necessary to make sense to the entire book. You’ll learn the basics of the world that you’ll thrust into with reading Light the Fire.

There’s a mutating virus, that has a variety of different strains that interact differently to people. We’ve also got the look of the world changing, sea levels taking over low sitting cities, and islands coming alive. When we meet our FMC Haina who’s a triple-threat Hellcat, and she’s read to escape her life. She’s been used and abused and she is ready to escape the compound she’s in so she can join the revolution.

Zane, Jorik, and Rix are the three super soldiers that Haina meet and they all that the opportunity when bombs go off on the compound to escape. Even with everything that she’s been through, nothing quite prepares her for the outside life, and she becomes overwhelmed. They don’t truly trust each other at first, but that comes with all of the things they’ve gone through growing up, and eventually they learn they need to rely on one another.

Without giving much more away, this book was an amazing wild ride for the beginning of this series. It’ll be a trilogy set within the same world, each book with new characters, and the overall ending to the 3 books finishing in book 3. In light of recent events and how the world is heading this book hits the nail on the head in different areas.

Multi POV
FMC who’s strong but naive and a horrible upbringing
MMCs with horrible pasts and slow to trust
MFMM - but no MM
Post Apocalyptic RH
Interconnected world- first of 3 books, HEA (in each book)+ big finale in book 3
🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was something totally new for me. Dystopian novels are something that usually take too much for my brain to process. This one was not. I loved how I could understand and follow everything that has happened to our world (not gonna lie. It scared me how possible it is). The description of how humans have changed was even scarier in this new reality that we all share. Now the main characters? They were emotionally complicated as well as bad a$$ as well as so delicious. I loved Haina. She is as innocent as she is deadly. Her unusual combination makes her a valuable commodity on this new world. She makes super soldiers so much more everything. Her handler is so cruel that I can't even comprehend what her life was like before her daring escape. But her escape doesn't go exactly as planned. It turns out to be more than she expects. It leads her to 3 of those super soldiers. Zane, Jorik and Rix want away from the life they knew as well. It takes a combination of well timed accidents for everything to come into alignment. I adore these three men for different reasons because they are all so different. Zane is the leader. He is also the most distrustful. He never takes things as face value but his heart battles with his head. Rix is the jokester. He keeps things light but knows when to be serious. Jorik is somewhere in-between. He is the most intelligent of the three but doesn't flaunt it. The three men are the perfect combination for Haina to learn what she was never told, to protect her when she is too innocent and to love her when no one has ever done that before. Truly an amazing story and I cannot wait for more of this world.

[Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Wow - this book was not at all what I was expecting. What a powerful dystopian tale with female empowerment at the forefront. With everything going on in our world these days, it definitely struck a few cords... the mutating virus strain that impacted people differently and the government that's basically enslaving individuals based on how the virus impacted them. It was very complex and intriguing - I really appreciated the prologue (and found it necessary to really understand what was going on).

We're first introduced Haina, a Hellcat with very rare genetic traits, who's held captive at a military base. She's planning an escape with intention to join the revolution... her escape attempt sent her right into the arms of 3 super soldiers... can they trust each other?

This book took me a little bit to really get into, but about 40% in, I was hooked. I enjoyed how, despite the fact that she was incredibly dangerous, strong and rare, she had the empathy that other similar Hellcats were lacking. As she navigated life on the run, she was like young child learning about the world (because she'd been held captive her whole life). The author did a great job of pacing her "learning." There were a few laugh out loud moments when she was learning about how women and men seek each other for pleasure. Learn she did... this book was very, very SPICY! Once she learned, she was insatiable.

Recommend this for all you dystopian lovers who enjoy RH tales.

[Bri Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy RH dystopian? Count me in!

I love a good dystopian novel, and I really love a good steamy RH. This book delivered on both, and then some! The author included a prologue with helpful information and I very much appreciated it. It helped with the world building and allowed me to dive in having some idea of what was going on. The FMC Haina is an absolute bada$$, which I LOVE in a story! She has been caged up her whole life, used and tortured by those around her because of her special abilities. She finally has a chance to escape this hell, and encounters three "super soldiers" also attempting to flee. The story follows the four of them as they fight to find the resistance and as they form bonds and have lots of steamy fun.

The world building was very well done, it didn't overshadow the plot or becoming too confusing to follow. The pacing was great, tons of action and spice woven together. I will say - if you are not a fan of spicy books, this is not for you. But I loved it! I do wish there had been a bit more focus on the emotional side of their developing relationships, but there was enough to make it feel real. The MMC's are all amazing in their own ways (even though Zane was incredibly frustrating at times). My one gripe was the ending - I expected to have a bit more information on where they are now, etc... but I am sure this is to come in the next book.

Overall, this was an awesome read! Highly recommend.

I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

[Ines · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Light the Fire" is the first book in an interesting dystopian RH series, where genetic strains decide about people's future. Haina is the first female with three genetic strains, and has been used as a lifelong experiment from the day she was born. Until the moment she finally manages to escape the compound, together with three men whose powers are enhanced with her blood.

I think the author created a very interesting background to this story, with a dystopian world that feels awfully realistic as a possible future. I liked Haina's character and personality; even with everything she suffered through, she stayed true to who she was and wanted to be. After their escape, the storyline starts to make room for spice; lots of it. The spicy scenes were definitely interesting, but a little much for me. I have to admit I prefer plot over spice, and in this book it's the other way around. It still makes for an interesting story, but I think this book is better suited for readers who prefer books with a lot of spice.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

First of all this is an amazing new world for us to explore. A virus was created that killed most of the population and the ones left have all lived through it forever changed placing them in a set category depending. At the beginning there is an explanation about how this world was created and I highly suggest reading it as it helps to explain some things. We follow Haina a triple hybrid first of a kind that has been kept in captivity her entire life though she was trained to be quite deadly. This does not stop her from trying to escape which she ultimately manages thanks to three men that we also being kept there though they were sent out on missions. There is no trust, an unknown area, and danger at every turn making this quite the adventuress read. I was hooked all the way until the very end. I cannot wait to see what happens next for this group. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reviewer

Love dystopian literature and reverse harems so I was instantly hooked. The beginning of the book is a bit overwhelming as we get acclimated to the new world - mostly because of the extensive (very good) details - but also because of the similarities between our current state in the US and the book is jarring.
Pushing past that - I thought that the book was a good read and I was immersed in the world in no time. I enjoyed the character development and spice between our FMC and her harem, but I will admit it was a bit too heavy with spice in some spots where we really just needed more storyline/plot. The interesting parts of the plot towards the end felt rushed and the book ended pretty abruptly. Regardless, I am going to keep reading and see how our characters work together towards leading a movement and keeping their freedom!

[Julie Frazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this book, I was very hesitant and fearing I wouldn’t be able to get into it. Almost immediately, my fears were dissolved! Once I started reading, I could not put it down! As a note, you simply cannot skip the prologue. So much explained on how the world has changed because of the effects of a virus. It’s almost a little scary how it correlates to current reality. I absolutely adored the FMC Haina. She is everything a strong, fearless woman should be. Yet, her nativity and innocence to certain things add another layer of likability to her. The relationship between Haina and her men is filled with trials and tribulations as they move forward on this journey. This was definitely a great start to a trilogy and I simply cannot wait for the next book!

[Pene|ope • Temp Hyperfixation: WC & OMV · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid RH dystopian. The only reasons this isn't 5 stars are

1. The lack of explanation of the world until far too late in the story. And even then it lacked important info that the "read this" pages before the first chapter gave, when Kindle opened the book to the first chapter skipping those pages.

2. Lack of emotional depth given between the characters. There was some, but not all of it was shown before they were each declaring their love for each other.

3. Way too many action/steamy scenes where the flow is interrupted by paragraphs of additional information when I just wanted to get back to the action/steam.

Other than that this was exciting to read and I'm looking forward to being in this world in the next books.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whitley Cox under a penname with an extra spicy slant. Haina is a valuable asset to the new world order: Her abilities able to be transferred through a vial and her training to deadly to be released without supervision. Her desperate ambition for herself takes her into the world she knows nothing about. Finding herself on the run with 3 supersoldiers, trust is not what she prizes the most. Haina's childlike wonder is overshadowed by her lack of real world exposure. Jorrik, Rix and Zane bring challenges and threats into her journey. Truth, trust and trials mix with emotion and angst. Nothing is as it seems and what is exposed leaves questions to be answered. Book 1 of a trilogy.

[Abby Prendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was hesitant at the beginning because I was worried it was going to be an overly complicated world building situation. But the world building is naturally incorporated into the great storytelling. I was really impressed with how she created the world and made it easy to understand. Characters were really engaging. I thought there was great build up for Haina and the guys. The plot was really engaging and interesting; the tension was well-built and I really appreciated the way each character’s traumas and backgrounds played out in their reactions and responses. Plus the steamy scenes were so hot; I loved Haina’s innocence and Jorik and Rix’s willingness to teach her.

[Laura]

I nearly dnfed when all three men shared one needle (oh god so unsanitary, so dangerous and stupid, so ugh). But I powered through because I found the story interesting enough. But then the story got more boring and I was mostly skimming and wanting for it to end. I decided to not finish the book even though I was at 85% when the MMCs said they would give the FMC 5 orgasm each. In one night. It was just the last drop that convinced me I didn’t want to finish the book, because normally something unrealistic like that wouldn’t bother me. So the fact that it did bother me was a clear instruction to stop reading.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!
From start to finish this kept me going. I couldn't put it down! We had action, suspense, angst and steam!! Let me just say too that the steam was so hot! It was also well placed and it made the relationships seem real and genuine. I thought the storyline was original and moved at a good pace. I loved that we got multiple POVs as well. I loved our FMC. Of course she was a bad*ss, but I also loved her naivete and softer side. I thought the guys were each unique and offered her something different. This is definitely a must read!! I can't wait for book 2!!!

[IsaNox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Since I like both dystopian storys and reverse harem ones I was excited to read this one. But while I liked the overall idea I just couldn't grow to like any of the MC's nor this authors style of writing. While that is a subjective thing and others may feel very different about these points I can't give this book more than 3 stars.

[Brandy Sisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fire. Oh my gosh was the burn good. Cant wait for more! The journey you are taken on is fun and steamy. My only qripe... every chapter had a steamy scene. I like them as much as the next. But it became monotonous. While i understand the dynamics to these types of books, I like the storyline to not be held up by all that fun in between the sheets. Still a wonderful book, loved the characters.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a completely different from my usual reading and boy
I was really impressed with the storyline even though I found
it was a tough slow until I got into the pages and know kidding
I couldn’t put it down.
Strong plot with depth and characters that took me on there journey
with them definitely looking forward to reading more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new to me author pulled me into her world, and there I stayed for several hours of enjoyment.

I've really become a reverse harem fan! I agree, why choose?

The world building was great, and I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters!

I was like, wow, at the ending, but still chomping at the bit to jump into book two!

Bring it on!!!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light the Fire was an amazing debut book by Natalie. I was transported into another world reading and fell in love with the story. If you live reading reverse harem books or want to give it a try I definitely recommend Light the Fire. I can't wait for the rest of the series.

[Kara Coens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Wow! This one was way more than I thought it would be. A world set in the future but also totally relatable to now. I loved the dynamics to these lovers. It was hard fought and won what they accomplish in all ways. I can't wait to see what comes from this world.

[Cynthia Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light the Fire is the first of the series by Natalie Sloan. It was a slow start for me as this isn't my usually kind of story to read. Once I got going I was glad I did. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read Dystopian stories, but I was willing to try knowing this author. AMAZING!!!! This futuristic world in the present is mind boggling. Perfect amount of steam and amazing characters. I can't' wait to see what's next!