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Dirk & Steele #9
The Fire King
Long ago, shape-shifters were plentiful, soaring through the sky as crows, racing across African veldts as cheetahs, raging furious as dragons atop the Himalayas. Like gods, they reigned supreme. But even gods have laws, and those laws, when broken, destroy.
Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. Three words in three very different languages, and yet Soria understands. Like all members of Dirk & Steele, she has a gift, and hers is communication: That was why she was chosen to address the stranger. Strong as a lion, quick as a serpent, Karr is his name, and in his day he was King. But he is a son of strife; a creature of tragedy. As fire consumed all he loved, so an icy sleep has been his atonement. Now against his will, he has awoken.Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. In English, the word is despair. But Soria knows the words for love.
Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. Three words in three very different languages, and yet Soria understands. Like all members of Dirk & Steele, she has a gift, and hers is communication: That was why she was chosen to address the stranger. Strong as a lion, quick as a serpent, Karr is his name, and in his day he was King. But he is a son of strife; a creature of tragedy. As fire consumed all he loved, so an icy sleep has been his atonement. Now against his will, he has awoken.Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. In English, the word is despair. But Soria knows the words for love.
307 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2009
31 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie M. Liu
322 books4,299 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning writer Marjorie Liu is best known for her fiction and comic books. She teaches comic book writing at MIT, and she leads a class on Popular Fiction at the Voices of Our Nation (VONA) workshop.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
February 20, 2012
Throughout the series there has been a creeping foreboding about Dirk & Steele. In the beginning they seemed like 100% pure, upstanding good guys, but as each book adds to the series, we, along with some of the characters, start to question the people behind the organization. Another layer is added to that here.
After a unique gravesite is uncovered, Karr comes to the attention of the Dirk & Steele organization. He is taken and held by some of the employees while the boss, Roland, contacts Soria, a prior member, hoping that she’ll agree to help them again. Soria lost an arm and her faith in the organization she worked for, and retreated from the world. She’s still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her arm and finds herself occasionally frustrated and angry with the world. When Roland contacts her Soria doesn’t want to have anything to do with the assignment, but given that her ability to understand and speak any language is pretty unique, she reluctantly agrees. She never expected to find a man like Karr, a Chimera who speaks a language that she has never heard before, and one who everyone says is a killer. An attack leads Soria to take a leap of faith and release him, and together they go on the run, trying to work their way back to safety.
Karr and Soria are both broken souls. Karr wakes up, still alive, a thousand years after he sacrificed himself to atone for a wrongdoing. He is completely alone in the world and is further isolated by his inability to communicate with the world. It has been so long since his language was spoken that there aren’t even any derivatives of it so he could at least be partially understood. That kind of isolation is not something that most people consider in depth in a day to day setting, so seeing how much of a detriment that kind of isolation is was a bit of a revelation for me. Soria struggles to accept the way people now see her and to let go of the bitterness she feels toward Roland, her ex, for his unwillingness to face his fears and be there for her when she needed it. Neither of them are looking for love, but they can’t resist as they slowly come to respect, and then care for, each other.
I really liked that Liu took the leap into exploring what would happen if two shifters bred with each other. Unfortunately, things were not pleasant for their children, the Chimera. They had to deal with dueling instincts and some of them went mad or suffered from rages where they lost all control and became violent. They weren’t all like that, but the less controlled Chimera convinced the shifters that they were a danger. When Karr was first alive his people warred with the shifters. They wanted to wipe out their mistakes and were convinced that they were doing what was right when they hunted down and killed every Chimera they could get their hands on. It was nothing to them to kill the child before it could become old enough to be a threat. In addition to that, the shifters who dared to break the rules and mate were severely punished by their own people. Karr is shocked to find that most of the shifters Soria knows didn’t know about the past existence of the Chimera. As far as they’re concerned, it’s forbidden to mix their species because the child won’t survive. Who would want to risk that? But some people have long memories and Karr is hunted once again.
Although this romance didn’t have intensity to it, it did have a lovely sweetness that both Karr and Soria needed. Because they were on the run and not around other people very often, we got an excellent focus on them and their building connection. I liked watching Karr work through his past regrets and struggle to come to terms with the modern world. He is completely reliant on Soria and although I initially feared that it would make the relationship feel forced, it didn’t. They both learn to lean on each other and start to heal their past hurts. Although their future won’t be easy or perfect, we know that they’ll have each other.
I really liked that Liu brought Eddie back into play and gave us an update on how he’s doing. Not well, really, but he cared enough about Soria to make the effort. We also got to see more of Koni, Robert, and the quite frightening Ku Ku. I loved getting more information on Roland, although I was somehow shocked to learn that he had been in a relationship with someone. The truth about the treatment of the Chimera added a frightening grimness to the supernatural world that Liu has created. I guess all of the groups have a thread of darkness in them somewhere.
Favorite Quote(s):
After a unique gravesite is uncovered, Karr comes to the attention of the Dirk & Steele organization. He is taken and held by some of the employees while the boss, Roland, contacts Soria, a prior member, hoping that she’ll agree to help them again. Soria lost an arm and her faith in the organization she worked for, and retreated from the world. She’s still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her arm and finds herself occasionally frustrated and angry with the world. When Roland contacts her Soria doesn’t want to have anything to do with the assignment, but given that her ability to understand and speak any language is pretty unique, she reluctantly agrees. She never expected to find a man like Karr, a Chimera who speaks a language that she has never heard before, and one who everyone says is a killer. An attack leads Soria to take a leap of faith and release him, and together they go on the run, trying to work their way back to safety.
Karr and Soria are both broken souls. Karr wakes up, still alive, a thousand years after he sacrificed himself to atone for a wrongdoing. He is completely alone in the world and is further isolated by his inability to communicate with the world. It has been so long since his language was spoken that there aren’t even any derivatives of it so he could at least be partially understood. That kind of isolation is not something that most people consider in depth in a day to day setting, so seeing how much of a detriment that kind of isolation is was a bit of a revelation for me. Soria struggles to accept the way people now see her and to let go of the bitterness she feels toward Roland, her ex, for his unwillingness to face his fears and be there for her when she needed it. Neither of them are looking for love, but they can’t resist as they slowly come to respect, and then care for, each other.
I really liked that Liu took the leap into exploring what would happen if two shifters bred with each other. Unfortunately, things were not pleasant for their children, the Chimera. They had to deal with dueling instincts and some of them went mad or suffered from rages where they lost all control and became violent. They weren’t all like that, but the less controlled Chimera convinced the shifters that they were a danger. When Karr was first alive his people warred with the shifters. They wanted to wipe out their mistakes and were convinced that they were doing what was right when they hunted down and killed every Chimera they could get their hands on. It was nothing to them to kill the child before it could become old enough to be a threat. In addition to that, the shifters who dared to break the rules and mate were severely punished by their own people. Karr is shocked to find that most of the shifters Soria knows didn’t know about the past existence of the Chimera. As far as they’re concerned, it’s forbidden to mix their species because the child won’t survive. Who would want to risk that? But some people have long memories and Karr is hunted once again.
Although this romance didn’t have intensity to it, it did have a lovely sweetness that both Karr and Soria needed. Because they were on the run and not around other people very often, we got an excellent focus on them and their building connection. I liked watching Karr work through his past regrets and struggle to come to terms with the modern world. He is completely reliant on Soria and although I initially feared that it would make the relationship feel forced, it didn’t. They both learn to lean on each other and start to heal their past hurts. Although their future won’t be easy or perfect, we know that they’ll have each other.
I really liked that Liu brought Eddie back into play and gave us an update on how he’s doing. Not well, really, but he cared enough about Soria to make the effort. We also got to see more of Koni, Robert, and the quite frightening Ku Ku. I loved getting more information on Roland, although I was somehow shocked to learn that he had been in a relationship with someone. The truth about the treatment of the Chimera added a frightening grimness to the supernatural world that Liu has created. I guess all of the groups have a thread of darkness in them somewhere.
Favorite Quote(s):
"Would you rather learn from me, or on your own?"
"If I chose the latter? Would you accept that?"
"Yes. I would call you stupid, but everyone has a right to be an idiot."
"My dear lady. I am a professional." He held up his cell phone. "I called ahead. We have an appointment. Though, if behaving in a law-abiding and civilized fashion is too much of an affront, I'm sure Ku-Ku would be more than happy to kick in the door and make Mr. Mulaney her bitch."
August 25, 2009
http://janicu.livejournal.com/82189.html
The Premise: The heroine of this story is Soria, a woman with an extraordinary ability to pick up languages. It's always been the case since she was a child, and people call her a prodigy. They don't realize that it's magic, and that the mere presence of a fluent speaker is all she needs. It was a useful gift when she was with the Dirk and Steele agency, but after the loss of her right arm, Soria had a falling out with them and left. Unexpectedly, the agency makes another appearance in her life: they want her to go to China, and speak to Karr, a mysterious shape-shifter who speaks no known language.
This is a Dirk and Steele novel (#9?), but you don't have to read this series in order to enjoy the book. I had only read book 1 before this.
My Thoughts: The first part of the book had me hooked on the characters and wanting to learn their back story. First: a heroine who recently lost her arm?! From what I could tell it happened about a year before this story starts, and Soria's still recovering from it (feeling it's ghost, being aware of people's reactions). I was burning with curiosity about what happened and why Soria blames herself for it. Tantalizing hints were dropped like breadcrumbs, but it wasn't enough to figure out the whole story. I had to wait until Soria told it.
Likewise Karr's story is mysterious as well. How in the world is he alive after three thousand years in a tomb? Then, what is he? At first I thought he was feared because he was so strong and killed a few people when he woke up, but that wasn't the only reason. The cover of the book is a little deceptive - it has a lion on it. I thought he was a lion shapeshifter. Nope, not quite.
The book has a bit of a romantic suspense quality to it mixed with the paranormal elements. Both protagonists are cautious about each other (Friend or foe? Are my instincts right?), but they also have to deal with complex plots surrounding Karr and what people want with him. The romance was about equal to the suspense and action. It progresses at a natural rate, and by the time the two say their "I love yous" it's a given. I thought that although Karr is over 3000 the age difference didn't count because he'd been "dead" most of the time. The romance was nicely paced. Although it did a lot of things I expected, I did like how communication is explored in their relationship.
I'd read the first Dirk and Steele (Tiger Eye) before I had this blog, and in that book, the agency was family-like. In The Fire King, it no longer feels that way. Dirk and Steele suddenly seem more shady and Roland is tight-lipped, nursing his own agenda. It's hard to tell who the good guys are and there are surprises about who is after Karr. Then of course there are the very enigmatic side characters (I think that they may be reoccurring ones, but not sure). Mercenaries Serena, Robert and Ku Ku (Gogo Yubari's twin) make appearances. As does a character who appeared in Tiger Eye.
The plot was complex enough for me to like it. There were some not quite black or white parts to the characters and some surprises. By the end of the book things made sense, but I had to think it over a bit, which isn't a bad thing. On the other hand, I felt like I'd wake up in the middle of the night saying "a-ha a plot hole!", because I had a nagging feeling at the end of the book, but it's been a few days and that didn't happen yet. There very minor things like how Soria could make braids with one hand or how Karr and Soria's mental connection worked, but not enough to really bug me while I read. I guess the biggest problem I had was that the protagonists kept getting helped out by others. I would have like to see more of them working together to get out of jams, because I liked seeing them interact.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the setting - in northern China and Mongolia. The non-American setting, where the reader is really aware of life in another country, not just aware the book is set there and nothing else, is refreshing. I particularly enjoyed reading about the ger of the Bhatukhan people (I wanted to sleep in one!)
Overall: I like the writing style, the setting, the characters. The romance progressed at a nice pace, and although it goes through some familiar phases, their bond of communication was intriguing. I had only minor quibbles on the plot (see above). I don't read as much paranormal romance as I do urban fantasy, so my reading in this genre is limited, but I thought this one was well-done.
The Premise: The heroine of this story is Soria, a woman with an extraordinary ability to pick up languages. It's always been the case since she was a child, and people call her a prodigy. They don't realize that it's magic, and that the mere presence of a fluent speaker is all she needs. It was a useful gift when she was with the Dirk and Steele agency, but after the loss of her right arm, Soria had a falling out with them and left. Unexpectedly, the agency makes another appearance in her life: they want her to go to China, and speak to Karr, a mysterious shape-shifter who speaks no known language.
This is a Dirk and Steele novel (#9?), but you don't have to read this series in order to enjoy the book. I had only read book 1 before this.
My Thoughts: The first part of the book had me hooked on the characters and wanting to learn their back story. First: a heroine who recently lost her arm?! From what I could tell it happened about a year before this story starts, and Soria's still recovering from it (feeling it's ghost, being aware of people's reactions). I was burning with curiosity about what happened and why Soria blames herself for it. Tantalizing hints were dropped like breadcrumbs, but it wasn't enough to figure out the whole story. I had to wait until Soria told it.
Likewise Karr's story is mysterious as well. How in the world is he alive after three thousand years in a tomb? Then, what is he? At first I thought he was feared because he was so strong and killed a few people when he woke up, but that wasn't the only reason. The cover of the book is a little deceptive - it has a lion on it. I thought he was a lion shapeshifter. Nope, not quite.
The book has a bit of a romantic suspense quality to it mixed with the paranormal elements. Both protagonists are cautious about each other (Friend or foe? Are my instincts right?), but they also have to deal with complex plots surrounding Karr and what people want with him. The romance was about equal to the suspense and action. It progresses at a natural rate, and by the time the two say their "I love yous" it's a given. I thought that although Karr is over 3000 the age difference didn't count because he'd been "dead" most of the time. The romance was nicely paced. Although it did a lot of things I expected, I did like how communication is explored in their relationship.
I'd read the first Dirk and Steele (Tiger Eye) before I had this blog, and in that book, the agency was family-like. In The Fire King, it no longer feels that way. Dirk and Steele suddenly seem more shady and Roland is tight-lipped, nursing his own agenda. It's hard to tell who the good guys are and there are surprises about who is after Karr. Then of course there are the very enigmatic side characters (I think that they may be reoccurring ones, but not sure). Mercenaries Serena, Robert and Ku Ku (Gogo Yubari's twin) make appearances. As does a character who appeared in Tiger Eye.
The plot was complex enough for me to like it. There were some not quite black or white parts to the characters and some surprises. By the end of the book things made sense, but I had to think it over a bit, which isn't a bad thing. On the other hand, I felt like I'd wake up in the middle of the night saying "a-ha a plot hole!", because I had a nagging feeling at the end of the book, but it's been a few days and that didn't happen yet. There very minor things like how Soria could make braids with one hand or how Karr and Soria's mental connection worked, but not enough to really bug me while I read. I guess the biggest problem I had was that the protagonists kept getting helped out by others. I would have like to see more of them working together to get out of jams, because I liked seeing them interact.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the setting - in northern China and Mongolia. The non-American setting, where the reader is really aware of life in another country, not just aware the book is set there and nothing else, is refreshing. I particularly enjoyed reading about the ger of the Bhatukhan people (I wanted to sleep in one!)
Overall: I like the writing style, the setting, the characters. The romance progressed at a nice pace, and although it goes through some familiar phases, their bond of communication was intriguing. I had only minor quibbles on the plot (see above). I don't read as much paranormal romance as I do urban fantasy, so my reading in this genre is limited, but I thought this one was well-done.
July 29, 2009
A 3000-year-old, hunky shifter and a special woman wounded physically and emotionally make for an engrossing read. "The Fire King" is Marjorie M. Liu's latest in her 'Dirk & Steele' series and I loved it. Each of her books, at least those in this series, dig down behind the differences in her characters whether they're shifter or human and draw on the feelings and emotions that are present in each of them.
Soria is a human with something extra--the ability to understand and speak any language, as long as she is in the presence of a native speaker of that language. One year ago she suffered a horrible betrayal and lost her right arm. Since then she has barricaded herself in her apartment...until a strange pair bring her a new mission from Dirk & Steele. Imagine her surprise when her new mission turns out to be a 3000-year-old fairy tale...a chimera. The product of two different shifters, something that is supposed to be impossible. Now she and the chimera are on the run and Soria isn't sure who is friend and who is enemy.
Karr was the warlord of the shifters from a time when Egyptians and Hittites ruled. He sacrificed himself to save his people, so what is he doing alive now? And who is this woman who appears to be the only one who can understand and speak with him? Is she enemy? A spy? Again and again she appears to help him during their escape and flight...but the more Karr learns, the more unsure he becomes of who is or should be an enemy.
Liu does a wonderful job of making her paranormal characters human. She brings out their hopes, fears, happiness, and disappointments and I, for one, can't get enough of it. Each of these books can be read as a stand-alone, but each also furthers an overarching storyline that continues to evolve with each novel.
"The Fire King" has action, romance, hot sex, mystery, and magic. The story rolls out as smoothly as my favorite chocolate and the characters become people I want to know more about and want to see happy. My only real beef is that she doesn't write fast enough!
Soria is a human with something extra--the ability to understand and speak any language, as long as she is in the presence of a native speaker of that language. One year ago she suffered a horrible betrayal and lost her right arm. Since then she has barricaded herself in her apartment...until a strange pair bring her a new mission from Dirk & Steele. Imagine her surprise when her new mission turns out to be a 3000-year-old fairy tale...a chimera. The product of two different shifters, something that is supposed to be impossible. Now she and the chimera are on the run and Soria isn't sure who is friend and who is enemy.
Karr was the warlord of the shifters from a time when Egyptians and Hittites ruled. He sacrificed himself to save his people, so what is he doing alive now? And who is this woman who appears to be the only one who can understand and speak with him? Is she enemy? A spy? Again and again she appears to help him during their escape and flight...but the more Karr learns, the more unsure he becomes of who is or should be an enemy.
Liu does a wonderful job of making her paranormal characters human. She brings out their hopes, fears, happiness, and disappointments and I, for one, can't get enough of it. Each of these books can be read as a stand-alone, but each also furthers an overarching storyline that continues to evolve with each novel.
"The Fire King" has action, romance, hot sex, mystery, and magic. The story rolls out as smoothly as my favorite chocolate and the characters become people I want to know more about and want to see happy. My only real beef is that she doesn't write fast enough!
October 8, 2015
Really touched by the heroine in this book. She has a physical disability she is still coming to terms with when the head of Dirk & Steele (a black ops type of agency for the paranormal), calls her in to aid on a special case.
The last thing Soria wants to do is rejoin D & S, but I suspect she has a hard time saying no when her gift is in need. (Like a universal translator, she can instantly learn any language and communicate.)
Dirk & Steel has brought in a shifter- an ancient Chimera from the time of Gods walking among men. A powerful being awakened from thousands of years of sleep, no one can communicate with him. Except Soria.
Karr having sacrificed himself for his kind, cannot understand why he’s alive. Powerful but caged, he’s ready to do damage because he trusts no one in this strange world. Except one lady, the only person, who understands him.
The mystery surrounding his “thousand years sleep” begins to unfold and it seems someone alive, just as ancient as he, is behind it. But can he trust the humans and other shifters who years past were once his enemy?
I really enjoyed this one- read it in one sitting. And I like the addition Liu has added to her world through the MC. Looking forward to the next in the series.
The last thing Soria wants to do is rejoin D & S, but I suspect she has a hard time saying no when her gift is in need. (Like a universal translator, she can instantly learn any language and communicate.)
Dirk & Steel has brought in a shifter- an ancient Chimera from the time of Gods walking among men. A powerful being awakened from thousands of years of sleep, no one can communicate with him. Except Soria.
Karr having sacrificed himself for his kind, cannot understand why he’s alive. Powerful but caged, he’s ready to do damage because he trusts no one in this strange world. Except one lady, the only person, who understands him.
The mystery surrounding his “thousand years sleep” begins to unfold and it seems someone alive, just as ancient as he, is behind it. But can he trust the humans and other shifters who years past were once his enemy?
I really enjoyed this one- read it in one sitting. And I like the addition Liu has added to her world through the MC. Looking forward to the next in the series.
August 28, 2011
This was my first Marjorie Liu book, and I liked it enough to read more, but not enough to keep. I loved the premise-an ancient tomb is discovered and inside is a chimera, who is still alive after thousands of years. The heroine was unique and fully realized-I liked that she was disfigured, with only one arm, and was more mature and haunted than the average paranormal romance heroine. The hero was intriguing, although more one note than the heroine. The book started off with a bang, and I raced through the beginning. It really bogged down in the middle, when Karr and Soria begin their quest into Karr's background. This section felt like filler. It took too long for them to realize they loved each other. And why weren't Karr's injuries tended to? That got annoying. And couldn't Soria have kept some track pants for him in a backpack or something? Even warlords want to protect their boy bits from attack. The sex was a letdown. I don't mind no sex, or even sex not being described but being implied, but if there's going to be a sex scene, I want it to be mind blowing. Here, it was incomplete, and unrewarding. Also, the end felt rushed and didn't explain enough. What was the dragon's goal, besides going after Tau? (She was actually a really interesting character, though.) And besides hiding, what else do the chimera do? Do they have a civilization of any sort? And the final battle felt too short. My biggest gripe is that Soria was furious at how Roland treats Karr, but there was no confrontation about it and that subplot was just dropped, which made the story feel incomplete.
February 19, 2012
This was the first Dirk and Steele book I've read, and I think my experience suffers for not having read the previous 10 books, lol. I really REALLY was attracted to this book because the main character is a one-armed woman, which I thought was so weird, but, in the hands of the author, was so lovingly handled as not to be a joke. I really loved that part of the book, and the relationship between the two main characters. I guess the plot was just a bit too thin to support it, not a lot seemed to happen and there was lots of talking, so it moved a bit slow to me, but again, maybe that was because I didn't read all the backstory, so secondary characters didn't have the depth they would have had I read previous books. Very intrigued by this series so I'll start from the beginning and see if my perspective changes. I did enjoy that it was a bit more thoughtful than most in the genre.
September 7, 2017
So far i have read 3-4 Marjorie M Liu books. All are unique. Her story telling and writing style makes the whole book interesting but always , the book doesn't satisfy you completely once you finished reading . It definitely leaves an impact with the readers but i think some questions aren't properly answered. And also when some characters bond with others in these books we think next we will get their books but when it comes out those characters are paired with different people , it is little bit irritating.
July 26, 2010
I haven't been in the mood for romance lately, or at least, not the genre version, but I wanted something different as a break from The Curse of the Mistwraith and this is the one that caught my eye.
I've been reading Marjorie M. Liu's Dirk and Steele series from the beginning, but I was starting to lose track of what had gone before and who was who, so I didn't immediately buy this one when it came out. Then I discovered that it, and all the previous books, were finally available as ebooks. That pretty much made the decision for me, I purchased it and (surprise, surprise) it immediately sat in the TBR list as my books usually do.
It had a lot of good reviews when it came out, so I was rather looking forward to reading it.
I'm very glad I did. This was an excellent addition to the series. There wasn't too much baggage from earlier books, meaning I could get on with enjoying the story here without worrying too much about what had happened before. There was one recurring character that I don't remember much about (Robert), but since I know he's still a mystery to everyone else, it didn't matter at all that he was also a mystery to me. All the same, I hope he gets his own book one day and we finally find out what his story is.
I loved Soria and Karr. Both were well-rounded with good, solid back stories and it was lovely seeing them get to know each other. Their interaction was lovely.
I really liked the way Karr walked most easily in his chimera shape rather than staying in human form - something that fitted with his history as well as his personality - and the way Soria took that in her stride and accepted it as part of him. So often with shape shifter stories the shifter spends most of his/her time in human form and the animal shape is only used in particular or extraordinary circumstances. Karr was equally human, lion and dragon and he embraced all of them rather than trying to fit the human norm. Of course, that was easier when he was originally alive and it will be interesting to see what happens in the future now he wants to live in the modern world with Soria.
I also particularly liked that Liu chose to make what had happened when Soria lost her arm not be something paranormal. So often in a paranormal book, everything ends up tying back to the character's abilities and the plot of the book. Here, this is not the case, and it was a refreshing change. What happened to her had a huge effect on her and was a major factor in why she ended up in the place she did with Karr and therefore was every important, but I really liked that it was separate from anything to do with Dirk and Steele.
We saw progress for Eddie, who suffered a major, um, "setback" in the earlier book, The Last Twilight. While I don't remember all the details of that, we were given enough for this story, which was all that was needed. It will be interesting to see what we learn about him next - and if Evie sticks around.
Eddie and his choices at the end of the book act as a stark contrast to what Roland does (or rather doesn't do) both in this book and earlier when Soria was hurt. He doesn't come across particularly well here, but I suspect there is more to things than we have learned so far. I will be interested to see if Roland ends up getting a book of his own and what we will discover then. He's certainly not past the point of no return, but he's got some work to do to beat his own demons. I rather think I'd like to see him do it. But he sure owes Soria for past behaviour.
It was also a nice touch that, while his is clearly a romance, it actually contains no explicit sex. While I have nothing at all against a good sex scene, it can be annoying when over-the-top attraction, lust and sex take over from the story. If I have to choose, I'll take a good
story over a sex scene any day. In The Fire King, Liu focuses on the story and the development of the relationship between Soria and Karr, rather than just lust. That's a win in my book.
The existence of the chimera also answers an interesting question about the shapeshifters in this uinverse that, I must admit, I had never thought to ask. But it's a good one, and I'm glad Liu brought it into the series. It will be interesting to see what happens between the shifters and the chimera in the future.
I'm really glad I did stick with this series. This was an excellent story with really enjoyable characters and I find myself really looking forward to the next one.
I've been reading Marjorie M. Liu's Dirk and Steele series from the beginning, but I was starting to lose track of what had gone before and who was who, so I didn't immediately buy this one when it came out. Then I discovered that it, and all the previous books, were finally available as ebooks. That pretty much made the decision for me, I purchased it and (surprise, surprise) it immediately sat in the TBR list as my books usually do.
It had a lot of good reviews when it came out, so I was rather looking forward to reading it.
I'm very glad I did. This was an excellent addition to the series. There wasn't too much baggage from earlier books, meaning I could get on with enjoying the story here without worrying too much about what had happened before. There was one recurring character that I don't remember much about (Robert), but since I know he's still a mystery to everyone else, it didn't matter at all that he was also a mystery to me. All the same, I hope he gets his own book one day and we finally find out what his story is.
I loved Soria and Karr. Both were well-rounded with good, solid back stories and it was lovely seeing them get to know each other. Their interaction was lovely.
I really liked the way Karr walked most easily in his chimera shape rather than staying in human form - something that fitted with his history as well as his personality - and the way Soria took that in her stride and accepted it as part of him. So often with shape shifter stories the shifter spends most of his/her time in human form and the animal shape is only used in particular or extraordinary circumstances. Karr was equally human, lion and dragon and he embraced all of them rather than trying to fit the human norm. Of course, that was easier when he was originally alive and it will be interesting to see what happens in the future now he wants to live in the modern world with Soria.
I also particularly liked that Liu chose to make what had happened when Soria lost her arm not be something paranormal. So often in a paranormal book, everything ends up tying back to the character's abilities and the plot of the book. Here, this is not the case, and it was a refreshing change. What happened to her had a huge effect on her and was a major factor in why she ended up in the place she did with Karr and therefore was every important, but I really liked that it was separate from anything to do with Dirk and Steele.
We saw progress for Eddie, who suffered a major, um, "setback" in the earlier book, The Last Twilight. While I don't remember all the details of that, we were given enough for this story, which was all that was needed. It will be interesting to see what we learn about him next - and if Evie sticks around.
Eddie and his choices at the end of the book act as a stark contrast to what Roland does (or rather doesn't do) both in this book and earlier when Soria was hurt. He doesn't come across particularly well here, but I suspect there is more to things than we have learned so far. I will be interested to see if Roland ends up getting a book of his own and what we will discover then. He's certainly not past the point of no return, but he's got some work to do to beat his own demons. I rather think I'd like to see him do it. But he sure owes Soria for past behaviour.
It was also a nice touch that, while his is clearly a romance, it actually contains no explicit sex. While I have nothing at all against a good sex scene, it can be annoying when over-the-top attraction, lust and sex take over from the story. If I have to choose, I'll take a good
story over a sex scene any day. In The Fire King, Liu focuses on the story and the development of the relationship between Soria and Karr, rather than just lust. That's a win in my book.
The existence of the chimera also answers an interesting question about the shapeshifters in this uinverse that, I must admit, I had never thought to ask. But it's a good one, and I'm glad Liu brought it into the series. It will be interesting to see what happens between the shifters and the chimera in the future.
I'm really glad I did stick with this series. This was an excellent story with really enjoyable characters and I find myself really looking forward to the next one.
Read
July 26, 2011I received Marjorie M. Liu’s The Fire King, her ninth Dirk & Steele novel, as an Advanced Reader’s copy. In general, I am not a romance reader, with the exception of paranormal romance, and even so, there are only two authors I like and whose series I follow. That number has now grown to three.
The Fire King pairs Karr, a three thousand year old shape-shifter with a twist and Soria, a maimed human with an innate gift for languages. What they have in common is a painful past. Karr also has a threatened future but to even achieve it, he must first discover the secrets of his past. Since Soria answered a friend’s request to try to communicate with Karr, her future becomes linked to his.
At each step of the journey into Karr’s past, the two are forced to throw off very different doubts and suspicions to learn to trust each other if they are to survive the several different groups – shape-shifters aligned with humans, a couple of mercenaries whose alliances are hard to decipher – who are after Karr.
I truly enjoyed this book for several reasons. First of all, Marjorie Liu’s characters are distinctive (with one exception – a supporting character who I so enjoyed, I chose to overlook her derivative nature). Their motivations, actions and responses are credible and described with a clarity that indicates that their author invested much effort in knowing the characters she writes – no cardboard cutouts here.
Also refreshing and unusual for the genre, is that her characters are not so ethereally physically beautiful that they come across as plastic. This extends from her main characters right through to her villains and supporting characters. I was able to see her characters vividly in my mind and this was very much due to the lucidity with which they were drawn.
The background history, along with the nature and origin of the conflict was also credible and well handled. The action was exciting and held my interest. The romantic interaction was developed naturally with the storyline, and there were no gratuitous physical encounters.
On the negative side, I only had an issue with a small action by the heroine that didn’t seem to be logically possible given her limitations.
Overall though, this was a wonderful example of the genre and should be a favorite of readers already acquainted with the series, as well as first time readers.
Of course I now plan to read all of Ms. Liu’s preceding novels, and am very glad that there are so many waiting to be read.
The Fire King pairs Karr, a three thousand year old shape-shifter with a twist and Soria, a maimed human with an innate gift for languages. What they have in common is a painful past. Karr also has a threatened future but to even achieve it, he must first discover the secrets of his past. Since Soria answered a friend’s request to try to communicate with Karr, her future becomes linked to his.
At each step of the journey into Karr’s past, the two are forced to throw off very different doubts and suspicions to learn to trust each other if they are to survive the several different groups – shape-shifters aligned with humans, a couple of mercenaries whose alliances are hard to decipher – who are after Karr.
I truly enjoyed this book for several reasons. First of all, Marjorie Liu’s characters are distinctive (with one exception – a supporting character who I so enjoyed, I chose to overlook her derivative nature). Their motivations, actions and responses are credible and described with a clarity that indicates that their author invested much effort in knowing the characters she writes – no cardboard cutouts here.
Also refreshing and unusual for the genre, is that her characters are not so ethereally physically beautiful that they come across as plastic. This extends from her main characters right through to her villains and supporting characters. I was able to see her characters vividly in my mind and this was very much due to the lucidity with which they were drawn.
The background history, along with the nature and origin of the conflict was also credible and well handled. The action was exciting and held my interest. The romantic interaction was developed naturally with the storyline, and there were no gratuitous physical encounters.
On the negative side, I only had an issue with a small action by the heroine that didn’t seem to be logically possible given her limitations.
Overall though, this was a wonderful example of the genre and should be a favorite of readers already acquainted with the series, as well as first time readers.
Of course I now plan to read all of Ms. Liu’s preceding novels, and am very glad that there are so many waiting to be read.
August 13, 2025
An abomination in the eyes of other shifters the male is Chimera, born of two shifter species and hunted for it. They have a mental instability that causes them to snap without warning and after such a spell, the man realizes he's killed his friends woman. So he committed suicide only to wake 1000 years in the future and kidnapped by modern day shifters.
The heroine can speak and understand any language so she's sent in to determine if he's a threat or not. She's been through a horrible trauma that cost her her arm but although she's tortured with self conscious and lingering pain in the stump she's strong and intelligent and a survivor. She saves the male though it's very clear he doesn't trust her and together they go in search of his people.
The book was very nice, as all of Marjorie books are. The characters started out as enemies, then partners. Then the became friends before finally turning into lovers. The evolution of their love was believable. With them gradually beginning to respect one another and not tossing out words like love or romance prematurely.
It was nice to see that as I find sometimes characters fall in love far too quickly and therefore cheapen the romance somehow. Marvelous addition to a stellar series.
The heroine can speak and understand any language so she's sent in to determine if he's a threat or not. She's been through a horrible trauma that cost her her arm but although she's tortured with self conscious and lingering pain in the stump she's strong and intelligent and a survivor. She saves the male though it's very clear he doesn't trust her and together they go in search of his people.
The book was very nice, as all of Marjorie books are. The characters started out as enemies, then partners. Then the became friends before finally turning into lovers. The evolution of their love was believable. With them gradually beginning to respect one another and not tossing out words like love or romance prematurely.
It was nice to see that as I find sometimes characters fall in love far too quickly and therefore cheapen the romance somehow. Marvelous addition to a stellar series.
October 24, 2015
The Fire King is a solid Dirk & Steele novel. I loved the couple, Soria and Karr. One thing about Liu's couples that I like is that they are somehow matched by their experience so that they value one another in a way that another mate would not.
The lore of shapeshifters and chimera's is filled in more with this book, which I truly enjoyed reading.
Nine novels into a series is a challenging number for an author, in my humble opinion. Liu leaped over those challenges with her engaging characters, her unending imagination, and the promise of more great books to come.
The lore of shapeshifters and chimera's is filled in more with this book, which I truly enjoyed reading.
Nine novels into a series is a challenging number for an author, in my humble opinion. Liu leaped over those challenges with her engaging characters, her unending imagination, and the promise of more great books to come.
July 22, 2010
Another one of my favorites from the Dirk & Steele series. I particularly loved these characters--their special powers and their weaknesses. And the opening to this book is (to repeat myself) another favorite. It made me want to be a better writer myself.
April 12, 2012
I really liked this. It was the first Dirk & Steele novel that I've read even though it's #9 in the series. I'll be sure to look for more by her.
December 9, 2018
Soria retired from D&S after losing her right arm during a mission. But then her ability to speak any language in the world brings to back when the agency finds a shapeshifter who speaks an unknown language.
Upon waking up after sleeping thousands of years, Karr finds himself in a strange bewildering world unable to communicate with anyone.
Loved the story, but I do have one complaint. There was too much emoting in the middle of the story which really slowed down the action. Surprise twist at the end.
Footnote: 1) it’s a shame that there are only a few books left of this series when there are so many great character’s stories left to tell.
2) Not sure what the title ‘the Fire King had to do with this. None of the main characters had anything to do with fire. I thought it would be about Eddie.
Fave scenes: Soria binding Karr’s wounds, the language of touch, eating the goat and the crow & the living matchstick.
Upon waking up after sleeping thousands of years, Karr finds himself in a strange bewildering world unable to communicate with anyone.
Loved the story, but I do have one complaint. There was too much emoting in the middle of the story which really slowed down the action. Surprise twist at the end.
Footnote: 1) it’s a shame that there are only a few books left of this series when there are so many great character’s stories left to tell.
2) Not sure what the title ‘the Fire King had to do with this. None of the main characters had anything to do with fire. I thought it would be about Eddie.
Fave scenes: Soria binding Karr’s wounds, the language of touch, eating the goat and the crow & the living matchstick.
April 11, 2021
Soria and Karr were fascinating characters. Marjorie Liu has a fantastic imagination, and has a way with words that brings characters and situations to life. Soria has the ability to speak any language, as long as she’s near the person who speaks that language. Karr speaks a dead language, so Soria is asked to interpret. Ms. Liu tells stories with horrible situations, but she always gives a sense of hope. When Soria told of how she lost her arm, I couldn’t imagine being her. But Karr allowed her to see herself through his eyes, which made all the difference. I appreciated how Ms. Liu handled that interaction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend this and all the other Dirk and Steele series books, of which I have 3 more to read. Then I will definitely see what other books this author has written.
August 24, 2009
Plot: 4
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 4
Overall: 28/30 = 93%
Cover/Title Bonus: 5
Dorchester Pub sent this wonderful book to me to review a few weeks ago.
Summary (author’s website):
Long ago, shape-shifters were plentiful, soaring through the sky as crows, racing across African veldts as cheetahs, raging furious as dragons atop the Himalayas. Like gods, they reigned supreme. But even gods have laws, and those laws, when broken, destroy.
Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. Three words in three very different languages, and yet Soria understands. Like all members of Dirk & Steele, she has a gift, and hers is communication. When she is chosen to learn the dead language of a shape-shifter resurrected after thousands of years of icy sleep, she discovers a warrior consumed with fury.
Strong as a lion, quick as a serpent—Karr is his name, and in his day he was king. But he is a son of strife, a creature of tragedy. As fire consumed all he loved, so death was to be his atonement. Now, against his will, he has awoken. Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. In English, the word is despair. But Soria knows the words for love.
Read an excerpt on her website as well!
Plot:
Soria, a young woman with a missing arm is forced to return to a day job she’s not fond of doing but she’d rather live so she cooperates. She has a talent for being able to speak any language. No matter what. How cool is that!?
Karr is a mystical shape shifting creature that is awoken from a tomb he was buried alive in many, many years ago. He is captured and imprisoned until someone able to speak his language is found.
Soria is able to speak to Karr and she finds a way to form a bond with the enormous, dangerous creature he houses inside. Together they escape and are on the runs for their lives.
Setting:
Briefly the setting is in the US but it quickly switches to Russia, in Mongolia I remember. There’s a ton of desert walking and flying. A sandstorm scene was pretty intense.
Writing:
Marjorie knows her stuff! Since the main character was a linguist and I did read that Marjorie too studied languages there was a ton of references to those foreign languages. The entire book flowed very well. There was a large portion of this book dedicated to action scenes. The detail shown to the shifters was awesome. And writing the main character as having only one arm? Amazingly done. Finding out the back story to why Soria lost her arm doesn’t happen until a little past half way through the book, which worked well but had me constantly wondering what the hell happened to her arm! It was a major distraction and I wish the reader would have found out about that a bit sooner.
Originality:
This wasn’t my first shape shifter book by a long shot but it was a very awesome one. It was my first book that had a disabled main character but that didn’t stop her from being amazingly strong and actually even more so because she had an extra obstacle to overcome.
The shape shifters in this book were different than others I’ve read though. Karr is a half breed so he’s able to mix and match the shapes that his parents were: dragon and lion, making a pretty intense and beautiful creature.
Characters:
Soria is amazing. I had my doubts in the beginning when I first learned that she was missing an arm. But she doesn’t let it stop her from kicking ass. She’s mentally strong and that is exactly what she needs to get through this difficult time in her life. Her story behind the lose of her arm is horrific. Her ability to speak to Karr was awesome!
Karr is just wow. The fact that no one but Soria can understand his language forces him to ally with her. It was the best decision he makes. They make an awesome team together. Karr is strong, intelligent, and an intense warrior.
Passion:
The attraction between Soria and Karr builds over the course of the book. It is not the reason for the book but rather a subplot and it happens very naturally. I was almost yelling at the author/book because it wasn’t a major topic or rather the characters chose to ignore it just a wee bit too much for my liking. And there’s only one cool scene with them together sexually. It fit for their situation but it could have been so much better. Too sad.
Overall:
I enjoyed this book immensely. Mostly because I saw the attraction between the two main characters and wanted to see them together. Plus, their adventure was very cool. Karr was such a sweet and protective alpha male and Soria was strong but not bitchy or overbearing. They were a perfect couple.
Also, this was my first Dirk & Steele novel. I didn’t feel lost or anything so I’m not sure how the series works. I’m guessing they just cover one Dirk & Steele agent at a time.
Cover/Title:
The cover is AWESOME! The only thing I don’t like is the guy. He’s not strong jawed enough to be Karr. His face is just too round and fleshy. The lion, sand, and the side mountain houses fit perfectly with the subject of the book.
The title? I don’t get it. The FIre King? I don’t remember reading that Karr was a king in his original life. However, after reading the summary on Marjorie’s website he apparently was a king. Interesting.
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 4
Overall: 28/30 = 93%
Cover/Title Bonus: 5
Dorchester Pub sent this wonderful book to me to review a few weeks ago.
Summary (author’s website):
Long ago, shape-shifters were plentiful, soaring through the sky as crows, racing across African veldts as cheetahs, raging furious as dragons atop the Himalayas. Like gods, they reigned supreme. But even gods have laws, and those laws, when broken, destroy.
Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. Three words in three very different languages, and yet Soria understands. Like all members of Dirk & Steele, she has a gift, and hers is communication. When she is chosen to learn the dead language of a shape-shifter resurrected after thousands of years of icy sleep, she discovers a warrior consumed with fury.
Strong as a lion, quick as a serpent—Karr is his name, and in his day he was king. But he is a son of strife, a creature of tragedy. As fire consumed all he loved, so death was to be his atonement. Now, against his will, he has awoken. Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. In English, the word is despair. But Soria knows the words for love.
Read an excerpt on her website as well!
Plot:
Soria, a young woman with a missing arm is forced to return to a day job she’s not fond of doing but she’d rather live so she cooperates. She has a talent for being able to speak any language. No matter what. How cool is that!?
Karr is a mystical shape shifting creature that is awoken from a tomb he was buried alive in many, many years ago. He is captured and imprisoned until someone able to speak his language is found.
Soria is able to speak to Karr and she finds a way to form a bond with the enormous, dangerous creature he houses inside. Together they escape and are on the runs for their lives.
Setting:
Briefly the setting is in the US but it quickly switches to Russia, in Mongolia I remember. There’s a ton of desert walking and flying. A sandstorm scene was pretty intense.
Writing:
Marjorie knows her stuff! Since the main character was a linguist and I did read that Marjorie too studied languages there was a ton of references to those foreign languages. The entire book flowed very well. There was a large portion of this book dedicated to action scenes. The detail shown to the shifters was awesome. And writing the main character as having only one arm? Amazingly done. Finding out the back story to why Soria lost her arm doesn’t happen until a little past half way through the book, which worked well but had me constantly wondering what the hell happened to her arm! It was a major distraction and I wish the reader would have found out about that a bit sooner.
Originality:
This wasn’t my first shape shifter book by a long shot but it was a very awesome one. It was my first book that had a disabled main character but that didn’t stop her from being amazingly strong and actually even more so because she had an extra obstacle to overcome.
The shape shifters in this book were different than others I’ve read though. Karr is a half breed so he’s able to mix and match the shapes that his parents were: dragon and lion, making a pretty intense and beautiful creature.
Characters:
Soria is amazing. I had my doubts in the beginning when I first learned that she was missing an arm. But she doesn’t let it stop her from kicking ass. She’s mentally strong and that is exactly what she needs to get through this difficult time in her life. Her story behind the lose of her arm is horrific. Her ability to speak to Karr was awesome!
Karr is just wow. The fact that no one but Soria can understand his language forces him to ally with her. It was the best decision he makes. They make an awesome team together. Karr is strong, intelligent, and an intense warrior.
Passion:
The attraction between Soria and Karr builds over the course of the book. It is not the reason for the book but rather a subplot and it happens very naturally. I was almost yelling at the author/book because it wasn’t a major topic or rather the characters chose to ignore it just a wee bit too much for my liking. And there’s only one cool scene with them together sexually. It fit for their situation but it could have been so much better. Too sad.
Overall:
I enjoyed this book immensely. Mostly because I saw the attraction between the two main characters and wanted to see them together. Plus, their adventure was very cool. Karr was such a sweet and protective alpha male and Soria was strong but not bitchy or overbearing. They were a perfect couple.
Also, this was my first Dirk & Steele novel. I didn’t feel lost or anything so I’m not sure how the series works. I’m guessing they just cover one Dirk & Steele agent at a time.
Cover/Title:
The cover is AWESOME! The only thing I don’t like is the guy. He’s not strong jawed enough to be Karr. His face is just too round and fleshy. The lion, sand, and the side mountain houses fit perfectly with the subject of the book.
The title? I don’t get it. The FIre King? I don’t remember reading that Karr was a king in his original life. However, after reading the summary on Marjorie’s website he apparently was a king. Interesting.
September 7, 2018
Way out there, great is you're into shape-shifters!
January 5, 2020
Love this book. It is fantastic paranormal romance!
August 7, 2020
This one was a lot more of a slow start for me, but I really liked Soria by the end, even if the resolution felt a little rushed.
January 16, 2024
1.5 maybe
Soria was so interesting and strong and admirable. She was a heroine I actually respected. The unique element about her was that she lost her arm and was dealing with the results of that, like phantom pain and feeling like her arm and hand were still there.
It was interesting that she’d been reckless and free-spirited and went on all kinds of journeys with just luck, and her smarts and ability to speak all languages. She knew the risks she was taking but didn’t let herself be ruled by fear.
He heard her scream in fear and anger and it turned out that the men from the brothel came after her because they didn’t think she’d paid enough to use the phone. How ridiculous is that? They left the business to pursue one woman who paid to get into the place, paid the receptionist to make the phone call, and then paid her again?? And it gave him the chance to come to her rescue.
Karr also conveniently just all of a sudden had the ability to understand English when Soria was talking to Koni. How nifty that he had no understanding of that language but as soon as another male seems to be close to Soria, he knows exactly what they’re saying. I HATE things for convenience’s sake.
Also, Soria can touch people and see their dreams. Of course this hasn’t happened to her since she was a kid, but one touch to Karr as he dreams and she’s seeing the one event in his past that defines him.
She was friends with Roland for 9 years and dated him for a year but after the accident he didn’t call her. But then we find out later he actually did call her but it was full of silence and he sent flowers and he sent digital cards. Soooo….?
I did like her outlook. She wondered if after this Karr would stick around and then stopped herself from that thought and said “Fuck romance.” And then “That’s the spirit.”
Karr told her he would protect her and she wanted to tell him “I’ll protect you, too.” Now that’s my kind of heroine.
Karr had been held by wires that cut into him but they traveled for days and no mention was made of this.
She kept carrying that bloody sheet around all over the desert.
Long Nu suspected that he could understand their language but they didn’t want to let on that he could. Karr had Soria translate for him, but then all of a sudden Long Nu asked him something and he just answers her and they start communicating in her language. Okayy.
He told her he killed his best friend’s mate who was pregnant with their unborn child.
We didn’t find out what happened to her arm until pg. 246.
Of course his friend Tau was actually alive and there are other chimeras as well!
Soria was so interesting and strong and admirable. She was a heroine I actually respected. The unique element about her was that she lost her arm and was dealing with the results of that, like phantom pain and feeling like her arm and hand were still there.
It was interesting that she’d been reckless and free-spirited and went on all kinds of journeys with just luck, and her smarts and ability to speak all languages. She knew the risks she was taking but didn’t let herself be ruled by fear.
He heard her scream in fear and anger and it turned out that the men from the brothel came after her because they didn’t think she’d paid enough to use the phone. How ridiculous is that? They left the business to pursue one woman who paid to get into the place, paid the receptionist to make the phone call, and then paid her again?? And it gave him the chance to come to her rescue.
Karr also conveniently just all of a sudden had the ability to understand English when Soria was talking to Koni. How nifty that he had no understanding of that language but as soon as another male seems to be close to Soria, he knows exactly what they’re saying. I HATE things for convenience’s sake.
Also, Soria can touch people and see their dreams. Of course this hasn’t happened to her since she was a kid, but one touch to Karr as he dreams and she’s seeing the one event in his past that defines him.
She was friends with Roland for 9 years and dated him for a year but after the accident he didn’t call her. But then we find out later he actually did call her but it was full of silence and he sent flowers and he sent digital cards. Soooo….?
I did like her outlook. She wondered if after this Karr would stick around and then stopped herself from that thought and said “Fuck romance.” And then “That’s the spirit.”
Karr told her he would protect her and she wanted to tell him “I’ll protect you, too.” Now that’s my kind of heroine.
Karr had been held by wires that cut into him but they traveled for days and no mention was made of this.
She kept carrying that bloody sheet around all over the desert.
Long Nu suspected that he could understand their language but they didn’t want to let on that he could. Karr had Soria translate for him, but then all of a sudden Long Nu asked him something and he just answers her and they start communicating in her language. Okayy.
He told her he killed his best friend’s mate who was pregnant with their unborn child.
We didn’t find out what happened to her arm until pg. 246.
Of course his friend Tau was actually alive and there are other chimeras as well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2013
Soria is a member of the Dirk and Steele, have special gifts of her own. Although she isn't a shape-shifter, she can understand any language on earth. So when the leader of Dirk and Steele, asks her help them with a problem that only she can assist with. Soria is however very reluctant to do so, because a year previous she lost her right arm, and has had a difficult road since then. However when she meets a creature unlike anything she has ever met, she is intrigued and acts out of character, even for her. Karr, having been awoken from the ground from three thousand years, he is furious that he is chained to the floor. Karr is a mix breed of shifters, half lion and half bird, is unlike any of them have ever seen. Since he is the epitome of the impossible. But Karr is far from the last of his people, having been the leader of all those that were mixed shifters, he vowed to protect them at all costs. Then he meets with Soria who is the most captivating woman he has ever met. Even though he has a rage within him, he knows that he could never hurt her no matter the circumstance. The Fire King is a searching journey for both Karr and Soria where they search for the truth and also share a precious love that they both would fight for.
This is the last one of the Dirk & Steele series that is out, and the only one that I hadn't read, and I am so glad that I have. Its definitely one of my favorites of this series. Both Karr and Soria are powerful enigmatic characters where I endeared myself to them. Karr has only known of killing and rejected and pain in his life. Then he meets up with someone that embraces him fully as he is, never judging and always having trust in him. Never has he known anyone to have such complete faith in one as him, not feeling as deserving of it, even though he does. Soria is a young woman that was powerful and able in her own right before the incident that changed her life forever. Having lost her dependent arm, she struggles more than anything trying to adjust to this new life. However when she is summoned once more, she wants to escape from it, but she learns that you can never escape fate. After she meets with Karr, she knows that no one should be chained as he, even if he is dangerous. So they help each other, learning to live and trust once more and in each other. This is a powerful story that brought a tear to my eye a time or two. Marjorie M Liu portrays their emotions so well, its such a enthralling read. Definitely one I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a good romance mixed with some paranormal.
This is the last one of the Dirk & Steele series that is out, and the only one that I hadn't read, and I am so glad that I have. Its definitely one of my favorites of this series. Both Karr and Soria are powerful enigmatic characters where I endeared myself to them. Karr has only known of killing and rejected and pain in his life. Then he meets up with someone that embraces him fully as he is, never judging and always having trust in him. Never has he known anyone to have such complete faith in one as him, not feeling as deserving of it, even though he does. Soria is a young woman that was powerful and able in her own right before the incident that changed her life forever. Having lost her dependent arm, she struggles more than anything trying to adjust to this new life. However when she is summoned once more, she wants to escape from it, but she learns that you can never escape fate. After she meets with Karr, she knows that no one should be chained as he, even if he is dangerous. So they help each other, learning to live and trust once more and in each other. This is a powerful story that brought a tear to my eye a time or two. Marjorie M Liu portrays their emotions so well, its such a enthralling read. Definitely one I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a good romance mixed with some paranormal.
October 7, 2010
This is BY FAR my favorite novel in the series.
I was originally introduced to this author when I read a novella called "A Dream of Stone&Shadows" which was part of the Dark Dreamers anthology. It was such an original and fresh paranormal romance (at least to my eyes), that I couldn't resist looking for other books by Miss Liu. After having read A Taste of Crimson, she became an auto-buy. I have read all the Dirk&Steele novels - and even though not all of them have been as good A Dream of Stone&Shadows or A Taste of Crimson, Miss Liu could always be counted on to create a thrilling adventure, and to introduce us to strong and capable heroines that are actually useful and interesting.
However, Soria of The Fire King is exceptional even among the rest of the Dirk&Steele women. Her strength captivated not only Karr, but me as a reader. The way she lost her arm was shocking and thought-provoking, and I was awed by her. And Karr, well... Karr was the paranormal romance hero, with all that implies... but also surprisingly flawed and thoughtful.
This is a very emotional book - some may even say angsty. But I am walking under its influence for the second day, and I will definitely want to re-read it.
Solid 5 stars for Miss Liu, especially for further highlighting in this book what was becoming obvious in the last 4 or 5 installments - specifically that the Dirk&Steele organization has lost some of its shine and its members are no longer as perfect or idealistic (which just makes things more interesting!).
I was originally introduced to this author when I read a novella called "A Dream of Stone&Shadows" which was part of the Dark Dreamers anthology. It was such an original and fresh paranormal romance (at least to my eyes), that I couldn't resist looking for other books by Miss Liu. After having read A Taste of Crimson, she became an auto-buy. I have read all the Dirk&Steele novels - and even though not all of them have been as good A Dream of Stone&Shadows or A Taste of Crimson, Miss Liu could always be counted on to create a thrilling adventure, and to introduce us to strong and capable heroines that are actually useful and interesting.
However, Soria of The Fire King is exceptional even among the rest of the Dirk&Steele women. Her strength captivated not only Karr, but me as a reader. The way she lost her arm was shocking and thought-provoking, and I was awed by her. And Karr, well... Karr was the paranormal romance hero, with all that implies... but also surprisingly flawed and thoughtful.
This is a very emotional book - some may even say angsty. But I am walking under its influence for the second day, and I will definitely want to re-read it.
Solid 5 stars for Miss Liu, especially for further highlighting in this book what was becoming obvious in the last 4 or 5 installments - specifically that the Dirk&Steele organization has lost some of its shine and its members are no longer as perfect or idealistic (which just makes things more interesting!).
March 29, 2016
This is the second Dirk and Steele novel I've read after the newest book, In the Dark of Dreams (yes I did things out of order). Liu doesn't write easy stories, and by that I mean her books more often then not will have both the hero and heroine face tremendous odds. Odds that most people would find unimaginable; The Fire King is no different. Karr faces the fact that he wakes up thousands of years after he thought he had died, in a world that is in stark contrast to what he knew, but still manages to be prejudiced and brutal towards his people.
Soria meanwhile lost an arm, but more than that she lost her faith. Emotionally hurt and physically impaired, she just wanted to be left alone. Well Dirk and Steele is a bitch of a company to work for and they don't let assets just fly in the wind. Soria's stubborn refusal to come to terms with losing her arm is part of what drives the book. She is determined to prove that no matter what she can be self-reliant. She puts on her 'tough as nails' face, snaps at anyone who even hints at pity and ignores the startled looks others give her.
Part of what draws Karr and Soria together is her ability to talk his language, but their scars as well. Individually their pasts and memories overwhelm them, but together they sort of work. Karr doesn't treat Soria like a cripple or someone to pity, he's a warrior and he understands that when you can no longer be what you are, its hard to come back. Soria in turn understands that Karr is lost and adrift, so much has changed and nothing is what he remembers.
Like In the Dark of Dreams Liu keeps the book in the 'here and now'. Since I'm reading things backwards (apparently) some of the storylines were spoiled for me so I knew what would eventually happen. Like with Eddie, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment. I was so focused on what was going on with Soria and Karr everything else was just gravy.
Soria meanwhile lost an arm, but more than that she lost her faith. Emotionally hurt and physically impaired, she just wanted to be left alone. Well Dirk and Steele is a bitch of a company to work for and they don't let assets just fly in the wind. Soria's stubborn refusal to come to terms with losing her arm is part of what drives the book. She is determined to prove that no matter what she can be self-reliant. She puts on her 'tough as nails' face, snaps at anyone who even hints at pity and ignores the startled looks others give her.
Part of what draws Karr and Soria together is her ability to talk his language, but their scars as well. Individually their pasts and memories overwhelm them, but together they sort of work. Karr doesn't treat Soria like a cripple or someone to pity, he's a warrior and he understands that when you can no longer be what you are, its hard to come back. Soria in turn understands that Karr is lost and adrift, so much has changed and nothing is what he remembers.
Like In the Dark of Dreams Liu keeps the book in the 'here and now'. Since I'm reading things backwards (apparently) some of the storylines were spoiled for me so I knew what would eventually happen. Like with Eddie, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment. I was so focused on what was going on with Soria and Karr everything else was just gravy.
November 24, 2021
De cover doet géén goeie dingen voor dit boek. De meneer die op de cover staat, ziet er een beetje een suffe Fabio-achtige kerel uit, en op de achtergrond staat een leeuw, wat dan doet vermoeden dat die meneer een leeuw kan worden.
De mannelijke hoofdrol is na drieduizend jaar begraven geweest te zijn in een graf weer wakker. Hij ziet er niet suf of Fabio-achtig uit maar enorm en gevaarlijk. En hij kan niet enkel een leeuw worden. Hij spreekt ook geen enkele taal die kan begrepen worden, en dus wordt Soria erbij geroepen.
Soria was een lid van Dirk & Steele tot een jaar geleden. Meer nog: ze had een relatie met de baas van Dirk & Steele, maar toen gebeurde iets waardoor ze haar rechterarm verloor, en ze brak haar relatie af. Zowel met de baas als met Dirk & Steele. Ze komt ook niet meer buiten en spreekt met niemand meer: dat met die arm heeft heel haar leven ondersteboven gedraaid. Ze weigert er ook over te spreken.
Maar hey, zij is de enige die met de man kan spreken, want haar gift is dat ze gelijk welke taal kan spreken, als ze maar in de buurt van iemand is die die taal ook spreekt.
De man blijkt Karr te zijn, en hij had aan zijn familie gevraagd om hem dood te doen. Omdat hij gevaarlijk was, zegt hij. Waarom hij precies gevaarlijk was, dat houdt hij even verborgen als Soria verborgen houdt wat er precies met haar arm is gebeurd.
Het spreekt vanzelf dat ze stapelverliefd op mekaar worden, maar in dit boek is dat serieus wat ingewikkelder dan in veel van de andere boeken, wegens echt diep trauma van de twee hoofdpersonages. Uiteindelijk hebben ze wel seks natuurlijk, en ondertussen leren nog wat bij over de allesomvattende backstory, en het einde heeft uiteraard een (nog meer dan anders) happy end. Het is niet expliciet zo uitgesproken, maar ik ga ervan uit dat ze binnenkort gaan trouwen en dat ze voor eeuwig bij elkaar zullen blijven.
De mannelijke hoofdrol is na drieduizend jaar begraven geweest te zijn in een graf weer wakker. Hij ziet er niet suf of Fabio-achtig uit maar enorm en gevaarlijk. En hij kan niet enkel een leeuw worden. Hij spreekt ook geen enkele taal die kan begrepen worden, en dus wordt Soria erbij geroepen.
Soria was een lid van Dirk & Steele tot een jaar geleden. Meer nog: ze had een relatie met de baas van Dirk & Steele, maar toen gebeurde iets waardoor ze haar rechterarm verloor, en ze brak haar relatie af. Zowel met de baas als met Dirk & Steele. Ze komt ook niet meer buiten en spreekt met niemand meer: dat met die arm heeft heel haar leven ondersteboven gedraaid. Ze weigert er ook over te spreken.
Maar hey, zij is de enige die met de man kan spreken, want haar gift is dat ze gelijk welke taal kan spreken, als ze maar in de buurt van iemand is die die taal ook spreekt.
De man blijkt Karr te zijn, en hij had aan zijn familie gevraagd om hem dood te doen. Omdat hij gevaarlijk was, zegt hij. Waarom hij precies gevaarlijk was, dat houdt hij even verborgen als Soria verborgen houdt wat er precies met haar arm is gebeurd.
Het spreekt vanzelf dat ze stapelverliefd op mekaar worden, maar in dit boek is dat serieus wat ingewikkelder dan in veel van de andere boeken, wegens echt diep trauma van de twee hoofdpersonages. Uiteindelijk hebben ze wel seks natuurlijk, en ondertussen leren nog wat bij over de allesomvattende backstory, en het einde heeft uiteraard een (nog meer dan anders) happy end. Het is niet expliciet zo uitgesproken, maar ik ga ervan uit dat ze binnenkort gaan trouwen en dat ze voor eeuwig bij elkaar zullen blijven.
January 6, 2015
This is the story of Soria and Karr. Soria is a human with the ability to understand any language when in the presence of the person speaking it. When Karr is captured, she is called in because nobody knows the language that he speaks. He was found buried in a chamber that was sealed thousands of years before. Karr is a chimera - his mother was a dragon shifter and his father a lion shifter. He has been at war with the shifters his whole life. They killed his parents and other chimera when they were children. He was a warlord, their leader. He told his best friend to kill him when he found his best friends pregnant wife murdered and thought he did it. How did he awaken 3000 years later? After being attacked, Soria releases Karr and goes on a search with him to find his people. With betrayal around every corner, and not knowing who to trust, they turn to each other. Will they fall in love? Who is betraying whom? You will have to read to find out more!
I really loved this book! I loved Karr and Soria! I cannot wait to read more books from this series! I totally recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal romance stories or stories featuring shapeshifters!
I really loved this book! I loved Karr and Soria! I cannot wait to read more books from this series! I totally recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal romance stories or stories featuring shapeshifters!
November 17, 2010
Because of its various animalistic and X-Men spin off characters The Fire King really captured my interest and in the end surprised me. The beginning was rather slow which is part of the reason it did not get the fifth star. It took me a while to get to a part that I could really sink my teeth into and it seemed as though the characters were not having very much of a connection till around the last half of the book. Character growth was fairly good for the most part I think pretty much every character had some sort of emotional problem or issue that I felt was wrapped up quite nicely at the end. Throughout the book you traveled all around the world and met many different characters of various species through which I think Ms. Liu really showed just how much of a creative writer she really is. The character description was very vivid and thorough but not so much that it would bog down the reader. Overall, I feel that "The Fire King" was well worth my time to read and I would recommend it to any paranormal book fan in both the romance and sci-fi genre.
May 26, 2010
I enjoyed this book. I originally got it because I wanted to try out checking out ebooks from my library through Overdrive. They don't have a huge selection of paranormal ebooks, but this one looked interesting so I tried it. And I'm glad I did, because I'm not sure it's an author I would have gotten to soon.
If there's one complaint I have, it's that there wasn't enough romance scenes between Soria and Karr, but each author/series has its own level of that, so it's forgivable. :-) But their building relationship was really very sweet, and it was interesting to learn what really happened to Karr and others like him.
I hadn't read the rest of the series, so I had no preconceived notions going in. I can imagine the rest of the series must be pretty similar, which is a positive thing.
One other really tiny complaint is that Ms. Liu doesn't write with contractions. For the most part, it's fine, but sometimes it's distracting.
If there's one complaint I have, it's that there wasn't enough romance scenes between Soria and Karr, but each author/series has its own level of that, so it's forgivable. :-) But their building relationship was really very sweet, and it was interesting to learn what really happened to Karr and others like him.
I hadn't read the rest of the series, so I had no preconceived notions going in. I can imagine the rest of the series must be pretty similar, which is a positive thing.
One other really tiny complaint is that Ms. Liu doesn't write with contractions. For the most part, it's fine, but sometimes it's distracting.
May 10, 2011
Marjorie M. Liu has penned another gripping novel of extraordinary characters with a thrilling plot that will have the reader entrenched within the danger and the heart-wrenching emotions. Karr is noble, fierce and protective of all he considers his, but an old war between his kind has left him distrustful and angry. Soria is a woman left feeling unwhole and shies away from most human contact. Their battered hearts will touch the heart of the reader and forever leave their mark as these two travels the road of self-discovery and danger. The Fire King is an extraordinary tale of romance, intrigue, and fascinating characters that will keep the reader turning the pages in anticipation. I am a captive fan of the Dirk and Steel novels and this one did not disappoint. I highly recommend this story; especially to those that follow the series. And have no worries…it stands alone as a great novel too. Enjoy!
June 7, 2011
Ok this one took a bit of a turn, but it was brilliant...I never could quite figure out where each character stood! I loved Soria, and I felt so bad for Eddie when she first saw him again! I love Eddies character and I can't wait till he finds a good girl to compliment him in every way! I am dissapointed in Roland, I understand the whys, but still I was dissapointed by him. Karr was a great new addition, although the lengths that they were hunted was impressive. I could not believe all the switching of loyalties in this one. I loved Roberts line about damsels in distress...that was too funny. And of course my sexy shifter Koni was again there, I loved how he stood up to Long Nu...BRILLIANT! I did feel bad for her though, had to be hard on her! I so think that Serena and Robert are going to hook up!! I can't wait to get a new one...but again I have to play the waiting game! Can I please...please have Koni tied up in a bow as a present...MMMMM he's too sexy!!
February 3, 2012
Strength of a lion, heart of a man
This book is a must have for any shifter lovers bookshelf. This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last. Between the beautiful descriptions of the different places these characters go and the characters themselves this book was impossible to put down.
I really liked how communication both verbally and non verbally played a part in the relationship between Karr and Soria. They are both great characters who share some great chemistry. So much emotion was portrayed through a few words and small touches.
Marjorie does a wonderful job in building up the suspense and allowing readers to learn right along with the characters about this unique breed of shifters. I really felt for Karr and how lost he must have felt getting brought to an unfamiliar time when everyone he loved was already gone.
I highly recommend “The Fire King” for any romance fans shelf, especially if you love shifters!
This book is a must have for any shifter lovers bookshelf. This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last. Between the beautiful descriptions of the different places these characters go and the characters themselves this book was impossible to put down.
I really liked how communication both verbally and non verbally played a part in the relationship between Karr and Soria. They are both great characters who share some great chemistry. So much emotion was portrayed through a few words and small touches.
Marjorie does a wonderful job in building up the suspense and allowing readers to learn right along with the characters about this unique breed of shifters. I really felt for Karr and how lost he must have felt getting brought to an unfamiliar time when everyone he loved was already gone.
I highly recommend “The Fire King” for any romance fans shelf, especially if you love shifters!
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