Chains of Fire

The Chosen Ones #4

by Christina Dodd

From the New York Times bestselling author of Storm of Shadows
Fourth in the thrilling series...

Samuel Faa is a Gypsy lawyer with the power to control minds. Isabelle Mason is wealthy, privileged, and refined, and has the gift for healing. Two of the Chosen Ones, they share a past filled with love and betrayal, and a future denied by fate-until the day they're trapped underground. No way out. No way to deny the passion that still burns beneath the surface. And when danger threatens, Isabelle has only one choice: to place her trust in the power of the one man she could never forgive...or forget.

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Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Adult, Contemporary

422 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Upcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.

(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read the other books in this series, so I was a little lost at first. However, it came back to me pretty fast. This series really found its stride after a shaky start. Samuel and Isabelle isn't my favorite couple, but Dodd writes their romance passionately and evocatively. They've been in each others' lives for a long time and never felt a connection like the one they share with anyone else.

Samuel is a complicated person. He's not nice or honorable or kind. But he has deep principles that carry him through. And he's defined by his steadfast love for Isabelle, although he's not done a good job of showing it.

Isabelle is complex in a different way. She had the power of healing. As an empath, her gift can lead to self-trauma, so every time she heals someone, it's an act of self-sacrifice. When she first meets Samuel, she heals an emotionally broken part of him, and from that moment, they will be connected for the rest of their life. But it doesn't promise a quick and lasting happy ending.

Through circumstances beyond their control, they both end up working for the Gypsy Travel Agency, a group that was formed to rescue abandoned children called Chosen Ones. Their organization is nearly destroyed, leaving very few Chosen Ones alive. Isabelle and Samuel have an uneasy working relationship, and on one cold winter night in the Swiss Alps, everything comes to a head, and they can no longer ignore their lifelong bond.

Some parts of this book felt a little awkward, but Dodd is such an engaging writer that I am more than willing to ignore what doesn't work in this novel for what works splendidly. I loved the sense of companionship between Isabelle and Samuel (when they aren't fighting) and the other Chosen Ones. It was so much fun to revisit the past couples, and made me want to reread Aaron and Rosamund and John and Ginny's books (my two favorites). I'm excited to read Aleksandr's long awaited story, but I'm deeply worried about what's going to happen. I can't wait to see how things evolve between him and Charisma. At the same time, sorry to know that Wilder will be the last in the series.

Not a perfect book, but very enjoyable. Thus the 4.25/5.0 star rating.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit from Christina Dodd...
I just don't think she's even written a book I didn't like!
One thing I love about her books is the women are just as strong
and in a lot of cases, stronger than the men!

I am soo glad she is writing paranomal romances now!

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9...

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story continues the overall plot-line that runs through the entire “Chosen Ones” series while focusing on one couple in the group of seven that must find their true mates. That overall plot-line is extremely interesting, I just didn’t care for this couple at all and had trouble enjoying the book because of them.

[Francine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised - I really enjoyed this book. Having read the previous three I felt that Isabelle verged on being just a little too kind and never letting her true feelings show. I was completely prepared to hate Samuel who had been the perpetual jerk. Now that I have read the book it is true . . . Isabelle is too nice and Samuel is a jerk but I can respect them and like them for it. They are more than that and everything to each other.

The story line of the Chosen Ones just keeps getting better and more complex. I just love a complex story, but who am I kidding I am reading for the love and the sex just as much as the story in which they are set.

I think I must read the Darkness chosen to get some history on Aleksandr. I so can not wait to read his and Charisma's stories. Are they destined for each other or will they each have there own story. Either way I think I will be happy with whatever Miss Christina has decided, but I hope it is SOON. I do not know if my inquisitive mind can take the wait.

[specialka · Rating 5 out of 5]

of all the wonderful books i have read by christina dodd, i think this is my absolute favorite. i loved it the first time i read it, and i loved it even more this time.

this book had everything- it made me laugh, cry, had romance, adventure, drama- and of course, an exciting paranormal thread throughout the story.

samuel and isabelle are my favorite chosen, and i can't wait to find out what happens to everyone in the final book.

[Anne-Marie Perreault · Rating 2 out of 5]

Le plus long des 4 tomes à lire. Me semble un peu tiré par les cheveux. Je ne comprends pas certains traits de Samuel malgré que ce livre est sur son histoire.
🌶

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ½

Finally! The one element that I truly wanted to have at and be done with was the idiotic @$$clown behavior of Samuel Faa. It was a monsterous relief to see resolution to he and Isabelle's antagoistic (and mysterious) relationship/past.

OK, (breathe a sigh of relief), on we go...

In many ways, this was one of the stronger books of the series. It was given plenty of buildup in previous books, the aspects/disasters that put them in close quarters were interesting unto themselves, and you were allowed to learn more (quite a bit) about the main characters in this book. Getting to know the main characters well is not always guaranteed sadly, so it bears mentioning. Like all books in this series, the ending has a forced 'quick, quick...wrap this up with bunnies and roses!' feel to it but it is tolerably brief.

Isabelle is a great character. Even though she is a Chosen One that is not in possesion of an offensive (attack) gift, she can still kick a little arse with the best of them. It was a pleasure to finally get to see Samuel concerned about something besides himself and to learn what had made him such a tedius jerk. (The placement of his gift mark was really creepy but I liked it. The imagery of someone rifling through my head like a junk drawer stuck with me.)

This book really earned 3 1/2 stars more for the seamless-ish weave of storytelling from the previous story to this one and (I feel it coming) to the next. I was left wondering many things about Charisma and Aleksandr for the upcoming stories and they weren't so obvious that they were screaming at me...more like a soft elbow nudge to the ribs. :)

This book falls solidly into PNR and not UF as do the others in the series. They are of course, totally character driven stories and will appeal to anyone who likes X-Men team building as opposed to Lone Ranger heroism. If you enjoy PNR/UF by Shannon K Butcher or Adrian Phoenix, you would enjoy this series.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest of the Chosen Ones series is the best so far. Samual Faa and Isabelle Mason have been at each other's throats since the beginning of the series but until now, no one knew the depth of their feelings. This is the best of love/hate relationships. Though both were adopted and grew up in the same house, their upbringing couldn't have been more different.
Isabelle is the protected daughter of one of America's first families and takes her obligations very seriously; while Samuel is a gyspy of indetermintae origin and also the butler's son. They have been connected since their first meaning and the connection has only grown stronger thru the years despite their continual betrayal of eachother.
I love the way Dodd takes us back to where Sam and Isabelle began; it gives the reader a chance to know the characters better but at the same times, stays within the action of the story. Each one of novels builds from the last---both they myth of the Chosen Ones and the personal connection between the characters. Another thing that is wonderful about the Chosen Ones series is the weave of world myth, the battle of good versus evil, and the presence of God. Dood does this in a very subtle way, as not to smash the reader in the face with a message but still managing to connect and anchor the entire story to a Christian senssbility (or at least that's what I got from it).
Great book and I can't wait for the next in the series. I hope it's about Charisma and Alekandr, which would prove to be a complicated and satisfying story.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok another great book by Christina Dodd. Samuel is a strong mind man that believes that we can do wrong if it is for the greater good. Isabelle was raise to do the right thing no matter what the cost which make their on, off again relationship very hard and completed along with the fact he is the butlers son and she is the daughter of a rich family and he will never serve anyone and he is only a chosen because he was been blackmailed a lot to take in I know but it works and makes for a great storyline, we read about their pass a lot which I really enjoyed. I really enjoyed the book it was free slowing and had a few nice twists. It was nice to see all the other charterers from the other books and Aleksandr Widers Granddad. I really liked the twist at the end of the book now I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised I liked this book so much as I haven't liked Samuel in the previous ones. But it really gets its hooks in you and takes you for a ride.

It is amazing how interesting the time that Samuel and Isabelle spend stuck together They were extremely lucky to have such a well-stocked avalanche retreat.. Then the book switches to the rest of the group and the stakes just keep getting higher. And the confrontation at the end that leads to some secrets being revealed is great.

[Alix Taylor]

Full review at www.romancebooksforum.com, snippet below

"as a fan of Christina dodd's, it pains me to say this but, I am done with the chosen ones series. Or at least, I think I am. I believe the Fred flinstone whistle is sounding and it's quitting time."

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome books.. now i need to find the others lol

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, I've enjoyed this story the most! I really liked Sam and Isabelle!

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มที่สี่ในชุดค่ะ และขอบอกว่า ในส่วนของโรแมนซ์เล่มนี้ถูกใจเรามากที่สุด แต่ก็เหมือนเดิมนะคะ โปรดอย่าไปคิดอะไรมากกับพล็อตในส่วนของพารานอมอล

ทั้งซามูเอล และอิซาเบลเป็นผู้ถูกเลือกกลุ่มล่าสุด และก็เหมือนเพื่อน ๆ ของเขาอีกห้าคน ทั้งสองไม่ได้เตรียมตัวกับภาระอันยิ่งใหญ่ที่ต้องแบกรับเอาไว้เลย เมื่อรากฐานที่สนับสนุนการทำงานทุกอย่างถูกทำลายลง พวกเขาทั้งหมดต้องคลำทางไปข้างหน้าด้วยตัวเอง

หนึ่งในปัญหาที่พวกเขาต้องเผชิญก็คือ การสนับสนุนทางการเงิน ซึ่งบัญชีเงินฝากของบริษัทการท่องเที่ยวยิปซีถูกจำกัดเอาไว้ในธนาคารที่สวิสเซอร์แลนด์ นั่นทำให้ซามูเอลต้องเดินทางไปเพื่อทำให้พวกเขาสามารถเบิกเงินใช้ได้อีกครั้ง ซึ่งความสามารถในการเปลี่ยนความคิดของซามูเอลเป็นเครื่องมือที่สำคัญ

ภารกิจนี้สำเร็จโดยไม่ยากเย็นนัก นั่นทำให้ซามูเอลมีเวลาที่จะแวะไปที่งานเลี้ยงเพื่อการกุศลที่อิซาเบลอยู่ที่นั่นด้วยได้ เพราะซามูเอลและอิซาเบลไม่ใช่คนแปลกหน้าที่ถูกสถานการณ์บังคับให้มาทำงานร่วมกันในฐานะของผู้ถูกเลือก พวกเขารู้จักกันมาก่อน

อิซาเบลซึ่งถูกครอบครัวผู้ร่ำรวยรับไปอุปการะทำให้เธอเป็นคุณหนูผู้เพียบพร้อม ในขณะที่ซามูเอลได้รับการอุปการะจากบัทเลอร์ของครอบครัวเดียวกันกลายเป็นคนรับใช้ ความสัมพันธ์ของเด็กทั้งสองเริ่มขึ้นเมื่อเธออายุได้สี่ขวบ และเขาแค่เพียงห้าปี ความแตกต่างจากอดีตทำให้ทั้งคู่แตกต่างกันยิ่งนัก แต่ในขณะเดียวกันทั้งสองก็ผูกพันกันมากที่สุด

แต่ความแตกต่างของคนทั้งสองก็มีมากเกินกว่าที่จะทำให้ทั้งคู่ลงเอยกันได้ สองครั้งแล้วที่พวกเขาเริ่มต้นความสัมพันธ์ แต่ก็ต้องจบลงลงด้วยความเจ็บปวด กระนั้นซามูเอลก็ยังคาดหวังโอกาสที่สาม และโอกาสนั้นก็มาถึง ถ้าเพียงแต่มันไม่ได้เป็นเรื่องที่อันตรายต่ออิซาเบลมากเพียงนี้

ในระหว่างงานเลี้ยงซามูเอลแอบได้ยินการสนทนาถึงการลักพาตัวเด็กน้อยคนนึง เขาและอิซาเบลจึงรีบรุดไปช่วย ปฏิบัติการสำเร็จ แต่สถานการณ์ทำให้พวกเขาถูกตามล่า และติดกับอยู่ภายใต้โรงแรมที่ถูกหิมะถล่มทับจนมิด ไม่มีทางออก ไม่มีความช่วยเหลือ มีแค่พวกเขาสองคนอยู่ในนั้น

และนั่นคือโอกาสที่พวกเขาจะได้นึกถึงความหลัง และอนาคตต่อไปของตัวเอง

เล่มนี้คล้าย ๆ กับเล่มก่อนหน้านะคะ ที่เกือบครึ่งเรื่อง เรื่องราวที่ดำเนินไปไม่เกี่ยวข้องอะไรกับพล็อตใหญ่ของชุดเลย เรื่องราวโฟกัสที่คาแร็คเตอร์ของซามูเอล และอิซาเบล บอกเล่าความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งสองในอดีต ย้อนไปตั้งแต่สมัยเป็นวัยรุ่น ซึ่งเราชอบส่วนนี้มาก ๆ นะคะ ทำให้เรารู้ว่า อะไรทำให้พวกเขาตกหลุมรักกันและกัน และอะไรทำให้พวกเขาไม่อาจลงเอยกันได้ ในแง่ของความเป็นโรแมนซ์ เราชอบเล่มนี้มาก ๆ ชอบความสัมพันธ์ของพระเอกนางเอก แต่ในแง่ของความเป็นพารานอมอล เช่นเดียวกันมันคือปัญหา แต่เราไม่อยากจะพูดซ้ำซากนะคะ ปัญหาคือสิ่งที่เราเขียนถึงไปแล้วนั่นแหละ ดังนั้นขอพูดในสิ่งที่เราชอบแล้วกัน

เราชอบความสัมพันธ์ของพระเอกและนางเอกในเล่มนี้ค่ะ การเล่าเรื่องย้อนอดีตยิ่งทำให้เรามองเห็นตัวตนของทั้งคู่เด่นชัดมากขึ้น และเข้าใจว่า ทำไมพวกเขาจึงไม่อาจอยู่ร่วมกันได้ และทำไมพวกเขาจึงไม่อาจลืมเลือนกันและกันได้เช่นกัน ช่วงครึ่งเล่มแรกที่โฟกัสอยู่ที่ซามูเอลและอิซาเบลเป็นส่วนที่สนุกมากสำหรับเราค่ะ (ถ้าพยายามไม่คิดว่า มันมีพล็อตส่วนที่เป็นพารานอมอลที่ต้องดำเนินไปต่อนะคะ) ช่วงท้ายเรื่อง (สปอยล์) ฉากที่อิซาเบลยอมตายเพื่อช่วยชีวิตซามูเอลก็อ่านแล้วได้ใจเรามาก

จริง ๆ แล้วเรื่องนี้ไม่จำเป็นต้องเป็นพารานอมอลก็ได้นะคะ ถ้าเป็นโรแมนซ์ยุคปัจจุบันธรรมดาก็อาจจะทำให้เรารู้สึกว่าเรื่องนี้สนุกกว่านี้ด้วยซ้ำ เพราะจะได้ไม่ต้องมาสนใจพล็อตส่วนคนร้ายที่ดูเหมือนเด็กเล่นขายของ (สปอยล์) ที่อ่านแล้วก็งงว่า ทำไมคนร้าย (ซึ่งเป็นผู้ร้ายใหญ่) ต้องมารับจ้างฆ่าอิซาเบล แล้วก็มีกฎว่า คนร้ายผิดคำพูดไม่ได้ กฎที่จู่ ๆ ก็โผล่เข้ามาในเรื่อง แบบไม่มีที่มาที่ไป

เราชอบคาแร็คเตอร์ของซามูเอลนะคะ ติดตรงที่ว่า คนแต่งไม่ได้ทำให้เรามองเห็นตัวตนของเขาชัดเจน โดยเฉพาะตัวตนก่อนที่่เขาจะกลายเป็นผู้ถูกเลือก ซามูเอลถูกบรรยายว่าเป็นทนายความที่นิสัยเห็นแก่ตัว และติดน่ารำคาญเล็ก ๆ เราไม่ได้ความรู้สึกนี้เลยตอนที่อ่านเจอเขาในสามเล่มก่อนหน้า มันเป็นการ "บอก" ของคนแต่งมากกว่าการแสดงให้เห็น เราอยากเห็นค่ะ จะได้เข้าใจเขามากขึ้น

กระนั้นเราก็ชอบการเผชิญหน้ากับคนร้ายในช่วงท้ายเรื่องค่ะ แม้จะคิดว่า หากเราได้เห็นตัวตนด้านมืดของซามูเอลมากกว่านี้ ฉากนี้คงจะเด็ดขาดมากกว่านี้ และแสดงให้เห็นว่า พลังความรักเปลี่ยนแปลงเขาไปได้มากแค่ไหน

คะแนนที่ 78 (เฉพาะส่วนโรแมนซ์จริง ๆ นะคะ ถ้าเอาส่วนพารานอมอลมารวม คะแนนจะลงเหวไปเลยค่ะ)

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting: bank in Monastere, Switzerland; Patricia’s showcase Switzerland home; basement of abandoned castle/lodge after avalanche covers them; Irving’s home; Osgood’s new building;

Theme: love; betrayal; another chance; owning up to one’s own depth of feeling;

Characters:
Isabelle Mason: upper-class Boston Masons (adopted/loved); healer (physical empathy); though well loved by parents, her mother instilled in her a high standard of public awareness and high society, a desire to do good, and to not draw attention to herself with her gift; has loved Sam since they were kids; terribly betrayed by him when he used his mind control power to locate someone she was protecting;

Patricia Mason: upper class with a heart, but keeps lines drawn; wants Isabelle to marry well and settle, and dislikes her work as a Chosen One; when 5 year old Samuel tries to pick pocket her, she snags him up, and gets her butler to adopt him (hmmmm) – not the best fit; she does her best for Samuel, but does not want him involved with her daughter;

Samuel Faa: lawyer; ability to control minds; on streets until 5 years old – having to steal to eat and insure a place in _____ ‘s mob; very confused when Patricia takes him off street, has him bathed (within an inch of his life), and taken to her mansion. He is waiting for the other shoe to drop. He finally wanders to an upstairs room with a curtained window seat – he sits there quietly; 4 year old isabelle finds him, can ‘see’ his pain, and touches him (in spite of his mean/standoffish words) to take away his pain; they grow up together, though his adopted father doesn’t understand his ambition and wants him simply to follow in his footsteps and be a butler, a servant; at 16 and 17 he and isabelle spend a summer on the window seat learning the physical side of love – until caught, and Samuel sent away; he is blackmailed to become a Chosen One, and he and Isabelle have been doing their best to keep out of each other’s way; he knows he is not worthy of her goodness;

Charisma Fangorn: gift of hearing the earth songs in crystals and stones; her insights come into play a few times as they are battling evil;

Aleksandr Wilder: college student; no mark, no gift, a loving family; family were, who broke deal with the devil to no longer shift but to no longer do evil; he is in love with Iskra – pretty sure his love is of the Others;

John Powell: leader/strong;

Irving Shea: 90+ retired director of Gypsy Travel Agency; sacrificed himself in effort to counter the errors of money schemes he implemented in his time, and to lessen power of Others; didn’t die, but slow recovery;

Martha and McKenna – supporting the Chosen Ones (housekeeper & butler):

Osgood: mastermind in destruction of the Gypsy Travel Agency and builder of Other’s building on same site – with some strange murals and rooms;

Dina: Other; Irvings true love; connection to Samuel (mother?) – can mind speak, but with Samuel she can hear him – deeper relationship, or is her gift enhanced because of Irving?; after Irving well enough to go home, she takes off, not wanting them to get into the fallout of her leave from the Others – she’ll be back I’m sure;

Summary:
Begins with Samuel going to Swiss bank to have Gypsy Travel Agency money transferred to account John Powell can access. They don’t have required signatures (agency and people blown up); Samuel uses mind control – with Dina’s help – both as go between Samuel and Chosen, but also so that he can mind control the bank president (unsuccessful at first, but when linked with Dina, and touches president, the president does as told. Finds out about a security box, but cannot open because needs key… mystery for another book.

Then he goes to Isabelle and Patricia’s charity dinner at Patricia’s Swisshome, where Samuel overhears about the ambassador’s son who was kidnapped; he gets Isabelle, they go to the rescue, and find a boy ravished with some terminal illness (isabelle can’t cure him) who has been roughed up (she can heal superficial wounds – and makes some more serious repairs – just not recovery); the boy is smart, is talented (can make his memories into hologram to be viewed by all), and had taken the guard’s gun when and shot the guard already;

After returning son, ambassador promises any future aid… and Samuel and Isabelle are on way back to mom’s when Samuel gets a feeling (tree blocking them on road) goes back, to abandoned castle/resort when hear blasts that set off an avalanche… they make it inside, and downstairs. They are in the rescuers locker room, so though freezing, they have equipment – tent, sleeping bags, jackets, lamps, energy food, some water, etc. They spend 4 days/nights buoying up one another with lame jokes especially around movie titles, trying to dig a way out, finally trying dynamite.. Especially Samuel is aware that this is his chance to prove to her how he feels for her (and we get flashbacks to their earlier relationship), and they finally make love; after dynamite, they expect to die, confess an undying love, have passionate, uninhibited sex, and are surprised to wake up… air coming from dungeon below… and a tunnel leading out that only Isabelle can crawl through..

And Isabelle panics, and leaves back to New York without talking to him; the plane she is supposed to take explodes; once both are back home (and Samuel seems to have her mom’s understanding if not blessing), their words say it was the circumstance, but their actions are the opposite – touching, hand holding, sex in closets, while denying deep feelings.

Isabelle has another attack, this time Samuel catches one… and we find out that the Others accepted a contract to kill her, and they will not stop until she is dead… another battle, isabelle is mortally wounded; Samuel catches her, holds her, realizes the full depth of his love… he tries to ‘send’ back to her the piece of herself she gave him when she healed him, and she has one heart beat… and he takes her out to the balcony, and using his mind speak ability (new) he calls out worldwide to anyone she had healed, telling them she needed them to give back… and her mother, the little boy, one of the Chosen, etc ‘hear’ him, and step outside and send it back to her… saving her life.

So Samuel comes up with a plan… the Chosen need to confront Osgood in his lair – get him to acknowledge that Isabelle died, so his contract is fulfilled – they all go… Samuel and Isabelle taken to his office.. Osgood sees Samuel’s vulnerability to power, and offers him a place in the Other’s organization – and Samuel is tempted (this is what he most fears)… but when Isabelle places her hand in his, he realizes he can only go where his heart is – with her… he faced his greatest fear/temptation and won… Osgood reluctantly agrees contract is fulfilled… while there, Sam and Isabelle taken down hall of tortured souls, and the rest are getting the story of the murals in the lobby… including that Lucifer lost 2 wing feathers… one is in the foundation of this building… but the other (that the prophecy seems to be talking about) is in the safe deposit box in Switzerland… hmmmm

And Samuel

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel Faa is the butler's adopted son. Isabelle is the beautiful daughter of his father's employer. They met when they were only children, but became fast friends.

Then, things changed in their teens and they started a secret relationship.

Now in their 20s, they are both members of an elite group called the Chosen Ones. Both have a magical ability they have agreed to use for good.

This story was really good in that it showed the sacrificial side of true love. Both Samuel and Isabelle are willing to give up their life for the other and they prove it. In doing so, they strengthen their love and their powers.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story of Samuel and Isabelle. Both are strong characters with a history of love and betrayal. Samuel is arrogant, the son of a father who is a servant and sexy. Isabelle is the adopted daughter of wealthy parents and has the gift of healing. Their relationship has its ups and down, but it has a great ending. Together they face the many challenges brought on by a sinister man who seeks revenge because Isabelle saved his grandmother's life. Great story, well written and very enjoyable.

[Jeniver Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book so much. It made me cried when the main characters trapped they were remembering their time together since childhood. But this book dissapointed me because of one mistake. How come Isabel left Samuel when he had been rescued from avalance. Hell they had sweet moments together but Isabel made that like it was nothing. I was very angry that only few chapter left and that story began to piss me off

[redmamameka · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for this particular book in the series.
While it IS a good series to read, omg Chains of Fire was just ALL over the place! It was like the plot that would.not.end and yet still somehow managed to leave a LOT of loose ends. I was SO tired of hearing about Samual Faa and Isabelle by the end of this book! I somehow managed to finish it though and I am hopeful that the next book in the series (Wilder) can tie this rather long plot, up nicely. *fingers crossed*

[Karissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a genre I usually read, I received this in a mixed box of books from E-Bay. After reading the first 75 pages or so I just wasn't 'feeling it' and almost put it down. But I have a rule that I read 1/4 of the book before abandoning it. Boy am I glad I did! Oddly once I got about a hundred pages in...I was hooked! Now I need to go back and read the whole series ;)

The continuing story of the Chosen Ones it can be read as a standalone (as I did) but I think reading in order would provide context and greater understanding for this story. When two of The Chosen Ones are trapped underground by an avalanche, a long and twisted destiny is revealed. Samuel Faa is an orphaned gypsy, a top-notch lawyer, and has the ability to control minds; Isabelle Mason is a privileged orphan adopted into a prestigious family, a cultured woman involved with many charities and philanthropic organizations, and has the ability to heal. The two have known each other since they were kids, have been influential in each others' lives, and been burned by the other. But danger, close proximity, and a new-found trust open doors they only hoped existed.

[Helly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really hard to finish, as it’s just plain boring. I don’t know what I’m missing...it has great reviews. Maybe because I started in the middle of a series? But nothing about this book made me want to know more about the other characters. Two stars because Dodd is a great writer, even if I didn’t enjoy the story.

[Susan Clair Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chains of Fire

Samuel and Isabelle have a history, they love each other but there is no trust. Through trial by fire they learn to trust and have unconditional love while thwarting the Other.

[Glenda Hitchcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, lots of action and adventure!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

samuel faa (lawyer)& isabelle mason (wealthy healer)

[Amelia Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Phyllis M. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandr who?

[R E C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best in the series so far with tight writing, characters you know and already like, and further development of the storyline of the Chosen building their world back up. I really liked Samuel and Isabelle. Samuel is a jerk who just says what he thinks and Isabelle is a proper socialite who is measured and considerate. Together, it is like they can shed their outward personas and be themselves. They are great together.

The prophesy makes it convenient for our hero’s to do daring things like kill themselves and come back from the dead, but bringing Isabelle back was a really nice moment. I can’t believe Irving is still alive though. Is it necessary? He must have a role in a later book.

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason this book did not get my top rating is that it would not serve well as a stand-alone. One would miss out on a lot of the world-building if the first book or two in the series has not been read. It would be best of all to read all four in order.

A lot of time was devoted to giving the backstory of the protagonists. We learn about them from early childhood through to the present, and how their relationship has prospered and fizzled throughout.

I liked this book a lot. It was a real challenge to take the a-hole and make him loveable. Dodd has shown that a guy who feels deeply often is uncomfortable with his feelings and cannot communicate that feeling directly, and reverts to middle-school behavior to alleviate the discomfort. Stupid, but realistic.

The plot was excellent. About a third of the story had the protagonists trapped together with no hope of rescue or expectancy of living through the experience. They were able to get past a lot of their problems in this situation.

Later in the story, the hero, while still obnoxious, is put in a position where his actions speak for his feelings.

This book carries a lot of my favorite romance elements...emotional growth on the part of the characters, input into the course of the relationship by others besides the protagonists, and an outside threat by an excellent villain.

I'll read this series again and again.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright, I'm not going to lie. I skipped book three and read this one first because I liked Samuel from the beginning. What can I say. I have a thing for arrogant asses. Despite that, I didn't feel like I was missing much in the beginning of the book since it was just him and Isabelle which was okay, for a bit. Once the other characters got to show up, I was a little lost at points since you know, skipped number three, but I could figure most of everything out.

I enjoyed the book for the most part, but even right from the beginning the headbutting going on between Samuel and Isabelle felt like a little much to me. I was expecting the most horrendeous of crimes to come to light between them and I wasn't going to settle for anything less. Yes, what drove them apart wasn't the nicest thing, but it was totally in character for who Samuel was/is and I don't know I felt like Isabelle over did it a bit.

I'm also not going to lie. Once they got back to 'civilization', I started skimming. It's a horrible habit and I wish I could stop but I know that once I start doing it, it's because the book is losing me. There were some good moments between that and the end of the book, but my interest waned unfortunately. I plan on eventually reading the third book and I might try to read this one again, maybe then it'll make more sense and be more appealing, but for now, four out of five for this one!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chains of Fire
3.5 Stars

Series note: The Chosen Ones is a continuation of Dodd’s Darkness Chosen series and it is important to read the books in order to completely understand the events in this book and especially in the next one.

Stranded together after an avalanche in the Swiss Alps, Isabelle Mason and Samuel Faa are forced to reconcile their differences or die in the attempt.

While Chains of Fire is a solid installment in the series, it doesn’t quite live up to expectations.

The main conflict concerns Samuel and Isabelle’s rocky past. Although their love/hate relationship makes for some witty dialogue and steamy scenes, it feels forced and unrealistic. Yes, there is sufficient build up and background on their characters’ history together, but their interactions in the present are lacking that extra something that makes a romance truly captivating.

In terms of plot, there is no real development in the ongoing struggle between the Chosen Ones and the Others. The assassination storyline comes out of nowhere and the villain behind it is so forgettable that it took me a while to remember who he is. The final confrontation is also anti-climactic and the resolution too easy.

That said, the lead in into the next and final book in the series is seamless and compelling. Aleksander and Charisma seem an uniquely couple so it will be interested to see whether Dodd manages to pull it off.