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Flint and Tinder #2
Queer Fires
Emmett might not have a job. He might not be going to school. He might not have any friends. Heck, he might not even be all that happy. But he’s clean; that’s the important thing. And all that spare time? It means he can really focus on screwing up his friendship (and absolutely nothing more than friendship) with Jim, who just happens to be the most important person in his life. When their friend Chloe shows up at their apartment, being chased by men with guns, Emmett and Jim find themselves dragged into a conflict they don’t understand. A year ago, they saved Chloe’s life from a band of supernatural killers. Now, it seems someone is after her again. It’s up to Emmett and Jim to stop them, which might be easier if they could figure out why everyone wants her. It won’t be that easy, of course. When Chloe’s on-and-off-again girlfriend gets taken hostage, Emmett and Jim will have to race to save her. But an invisible war is raging all around them, and they’ve just stepped into the crossfire.
169 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2023
26 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,801 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 26, 2023
"Sparks," the interlude short story between Ember Boys and Queer Fires, is out now to GA's newsletter subscribers! just your average neighborly, bite-sized lead-in to new adventures - nothing at all like putting salt in an already necrotizing wound 
-----
>> behold! my fumbling attempt at a spoiler-free review because i have many, MANY thoughts and am legally bound by The ARC Rules to disclose none of them except that i would read another quintillion words of this. that being said, i do talk about the mcs of this series and their well-established personalities, so if you haven't read Hollow Folk yet and are seriously considering doing so in the near future, please come back around then. i'll be waiting for you with a beverage of your choice for as long as you need. take your time, pal <3
[4.4~4.5] ah yes, nothing brings me back into the world of Flint & Tinder faster than a front row seat to Emmett’s shitstirring *sips tea with a satisfied hum*
an absolute snarky rascal of a whippersnapper. tell me he founded the Brats of America Society under the holy title of Father of Brattiness, and i would not only believe you, but i’d also enthusiastically donate to the cause.
never has anyone known exactly which gears to grind, which buttons to push, which knobs to turn, to manipulate those around him into a mad rage with such compulsively destructive finesse. Emmett is a master puppeteer, having Jim routinely prance about on puppet strings as they both purposefully skirt around topics in the age-old ritual of avoidance.
but when self-sabotage has been the name of the game for so long, it makes sense for escape to feel futile.
if i were to ever cross paths with the Holy Father of Brattiness myself and he somehow put me in the crosshairs of his volatile blast of sass, i’m putting money on my reaction sequence being affronted bewilderment, frustrated crying, followed by a slow descent into lunacy. sounds about right.
JIMMY JIMBO JIMBALAYA, MY ROMANTIC POET. his inner thoughts speak to the poorly hidden romantic within me and compel me to stan(phone, please stop choosing violence by autocorrecting stan to stab 😩) Daddy Jimbo till the cows come home. every time i’m offered a peek into his brain, i fall to my knees in reverence. can you tell i'm a real sucker for heartfelt lines, so much so that rationality becomes nothing but an illusion? he's constantly at war with his primal desires and his obligation as the responsible adult, and i'm genuinely impressed he has lasted this long without foaming at the mouth or losing all his hair given Emmett's relentless goading every chance he can get.
as you can tell, i thought GA hit the character beats with a perfect score on Rock Band drums. his characters are virtuosos at making highly questionable decisions, but they’re also so human in their constant state of flux - acting, reacting, shifting, evolving. i can’t turn away.
after leaving us on the cliffiest of cliffhangers with the previous book, GA took steps to “right his wrongs” the way he knows best: with a slow, measured reveal of what transpired that fateful moment and a resolution that offers enough peace - for me at least - to finally get some restful sleep. perhaps the short stories in between will offer the additional context i crave, but this will keep me satiated till release day.
i did have a sprinkling of niggles, which i’ll exclude here as they edge on spoiler territory, but if i could make one general comment that is in no way limited to GA: Asian is too vague of a descriptor to tell us anything about a character besides that they're not white. i understand the American usage of the term often refers to East Asians, but i hope writers begin to steer it back to its fuller meaning so as not to ignore other parts of the continent, be it South Asia, West Asia, SE Asia, etc. this isn't to say writers should immediately, for example, label a character as Chinese in the initial snapshot based on appearance because there’s no way of gleaning that info at a glance. however, a distinction of which part of Asia is being referred to might be a decent enough place to start. that's just me tho 😘
before i leave to superglue my lips together and then sew them up for good measure, i will say my emotional investment in the Emmett/Jim (Jimmett? i enjoy a good portmanteau lol) ship is at an all-time high and absolutely carrying the current stock market. dissenters will arise no matter which direction GA decides to take these two, but if i see this ship sink in any way from here on out, know that i am primed and ready to riot 😇
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
----pre-release thoughts----
JANUARY 27 AND THEN BOOK 3 MARCH 24, SO CLOSE YET SO FAR
-----
>> behold! my fumbling attempt at a spoiler-free review because i have many, MANY thoughts and am legally bound by The ARC Rules to disclose none of them except that i would read another quintillion words of this. that being said, i do talk about the mcs of this series and their well-established personalities, so if you haven't read Hollow Folk yet and are seriously considering doing so in the near future, please come back around then. i'll be waiting for you with a beverage of your choice for as long as you need. take your time, pal <3
[4.4~4.5] ah yes, nothing brings me back into the world of Flint & Tinder faster than a front row seat to Emmett’s shitstirring *sips tea with a satisfied hum*
an absolute snarky rascal of a whippersnapper. tell me he founded the Brats of America Society under the holy title of Father of Brattiness, and i would not only believe you, but i’d also enthusiastically donate to the cause.
never has anyone known exactly which gears to grind, which buttons to push, which knobs to turn, to manipulate those around him into a mad rage with such compulsively destructive finesse. Emmett is a master puppeteer, having Jim routinely prance about on puppet strings as they both purposefully skirt around topics in the age-old ritual of avoidance.
but when self-sabotage has been the name of the game for so long, it makes sense for escape to feel futile.
if i were to ever cross paths with the Holy Father of Brattiness myself and he somehow put me in the crosshairs of his volatile blast of sass, i’m putting money on my reaction sequence being affronted bewilderment, frustrated crying, followed by a slow descent into lunacy. sounds about right.
JIMMY JIMBO JIMBALAYA, MY ROMANTIC POET. his inner thoughts speak to the poorly hidden romantic within me and compel me to stan
as you can tell, i thought GA hit the character beats with a perfect score on Rock Band drums. his characters are virtuosos at making highly questionable decisions, but they’re also so human in their constant state of flux - acting, reacting, shifting, evolving. i can’t turn away.
after leaving us on the cliffiest of cliffhangers with the previous book, GA took steps to “right his wrongs” the way he knows best: with a slow, measured reveal of what transpired that fateful moment and a resolution that offers enough peace - for me at least - to finally get some restful sleep. perhaps the short stories in between will offer the additional context i crave, but this will keep me satiated till release day.
i did have a sprinkling of niggles, which i’ll exclude here as they edge on spoiler territory, but if i could make one general comment that is in no way limited to GA: Asian is too vague of a descriptor to tell us anything about a character besides that they're not white. i understand the American usage of the term often refers to East Asians, but i hope writers begin to steer it back to its fuller meaning so as not to ignore other parts of the continent, be it South Asia, West Asia, SE Asia, etc. this isn't to say writers should immediately, for example, label a character as Chinese in the initial snapshot based on appearance because there’s no way of gleaning that info at a glance. however, a distinction of which part of Asia is being referred to might be a decent enough place to start. that's just me tho 😘
before i leave to superglue my lips together and then sew them up for good measure, i will say my emotional investment in the Emmett/Jim (Jimmett? i enjoy a good portmanteau lol) ship is at an all-time high and absolutely carrying the current stock market. dissenters will arise no matter which direction GA decides to take these two, but if i see this ship sink in any way from here on out, know that i am primed and ready to riot 😇
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
----pre-release thoughts----
JANUARY 27 AND THEN BOOK 3 MARCH 24, SO CLOSE YET SO FAR
February 1, 2023
There is nothing I can say that isn't some sort of spoiler, so I'll keep this short and sweet. I love this series. I love this book. I love Emmett and Jim. I am fully immersed and invested in this story and can't wait to see what happens next (month!). And I am not, in fact, immune to Gregory Ashe Angst™.
January 15, 2023
What a great follow up to Ember Boys. I laughed, I cried, I definitely banged my head against the wall..you know, just the usual Gregory Ashe related emotions.
This book is so fast paced, I love the supernatural action elements that give this story such a fun vibe.
Emmett continues to be one of those characters that drives you up the wall but manages to pull it back just in the knick of time to allow you to build a sense of fondness towards him. He’s got a lot of feelings going on, a lot that he hasn’t dealt with and his abandonment issues clearly that play a big part in his defensive behaviour. It’s heartbreaking to read his inner monologue and feelings towards himself.
Jim on the other hand manages to compliment this by remaining as level headed as he can - most of the time.
What these 2 have in common with all other of this authors characters is that you just want to bang their heads together and shout “GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER” 😆
Never disappointed with Greg’s fantastic storytelling. However I must find out where he gets a lot of his inspiration from …cough …rainbow coloured horse dildo …cough
Can’t wait for book 3 !
This book is so fast paced, I love the supernatural action elements that give this story such a fun vibe.
Emmett continues to be one of those characters that drives you up the wall but manages to pull it back just in the knick of time to allow you to build a sense of fondness towards him. He’s got a lot of feelings going on, a lot that he hasn’t dealt with and his abandonment issues clearly that play a big part in his defensive behaviour. It’s heartbreaking to read his inner monologue and feelings towards himself.
Jim on the other hand manages to compliment this by remaining as level headed as he can - most of the time.
What these 2 have in common with all other of this authors characters is that you just want to bang their heads together and shout “GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER” 😆
Never disappointed with Greg’s fantastic storytelling. However I must find out where he gets a lot of his inspiration from …cough …rainbow coloured horse dildo …cough
Can’t wait for book 3 !
March 11, 2023
For the avoidance of doubt, Emmett and Jim do eventually get their shit together. I swear GA has the franchise on "people who love each other more than life itself nevertheless being cruel to each other over and over and over and over again."
February 18, 2023
This was an improvement over the first book. I think the world building is really well done.
March 25, 2023
Writing multilayered, complex characters is Greg’s thing, but not one of them had ever pulled my heartstrings as often and as well as His Royal Brattiness, Emmett Fucking Bradley. 🏆 I’d happily read ten more books with him as a MC, or a side character. ❤️
That said, a couple of things didn’t work for me here:
➣ that 13-months-long time skip between book 1 and 2. 🤯 What was the point of that? Emphasizing Jim’s penchant for avoidance?
➣ while I really like these two together, and I know they’re just GOOD for each other, and soothe each other’s old wounds, I’m still on the fence when it comes to the romance itself. It was kind of working for me — until I can get behind Emmet and Jim together, just don’t wave the ‘might have been’s in my face, please. It hurts, and not in the fun, patented GA way.
Ok, on to book 3. Do your worst, Greg. Convince me.
That said, a couple of things didn’t work for me here:
➣ that 13-months-long time skip between book 1 and 2. 🤯 What was the point of that? Emphasizing Jim’s penchant for avoidance?
➣ while I really like these two together, and I know they’re just GOOD for each other, and soothe each other’s old wounds, I’m still on the fence when it comes to the romance itself. It was kind of working for me — until I can get behind Emmet and Jim together, just don’t wave the ‘might have been’s in my face, please. It hurts, and not in the fun, patented GA way.
Ok, on to book 3. Do your worst, Greg. Convince me.
January 27, 2023
I can rest in peace now. Thank you GA for a satisfying ending and for letting me know Vie and Austin are living their best lives. All your sins are forgiven.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
The long-awaited follow-up to Ember Boys is finally here. Thankfully, I only had to wait a few weeks. My heart goes out to all those who had to wait two years.
Verdict? It was fantastic. I loved it. The action started rolling almost immediately, and hardly ever stopped. It kept you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire thing, wanting to keep going to find out what happened next.
And we finally get to see what happened with that cliffhanger from Ember Boys! ... but not right away because this story picks up 13 months later and our boys are masters at not talking to each other or expressing emotions. Unless you're Saint Bratty McBrattington Emmett Bradley™ and then you express every single imaginable emotion very loudly except the one you should be.
What does it say about me that I love that about him? I adore him and his brattiness so much. He's such a little shit, wreaking havoc on poor Jim, and basically taking Self Sabotage to new heights. But then there were those moments when he was just so...well, Emmett. And the only one who doesn't seem to realize that is himself, and that can be heartbreaking.
And on that, Jim continues to be one of my favorites because he has one of the most badass powers but is equal parts one of the gentlest humans and it makes me so soft. I just want to give him a big hug.
All in all, this was amazing. Beautiful way to tie up loose ends. I can't wait for the third one.
Verdict? It was fantastic. I loved it. The action started rolling almost immediately, and hardly ever stopped. It kept you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire thing, wanting to keep going to find out what happened next.
And we finally get to see what happened with that cliffhanger from Ember Boys! ... but not right away because this story picks up 13 months later and our boys are masters at not talking to each other or expressing emotions. Unless you're Saint Bratty McBrattington Emmett Bradley™ and then you express every single imaginable emotion very loudly except the one you should be.
What does it say about me that I love that about him? I adore him and his brattiness so much. He's such a little shit, wreaking havoc on poor Jim, and basically taking Self Sabotage to new heights. But then there were those moments when he was just so...well, Emmett. And the only one who doesn't seem to realize that is himself, and that can be heartbreaking.
How did you help someone see they were so much more than they thought they were, when that person refused to look in a mirror?
And on that, Jim continues to be one of my favorites because he has one of the most badass powers but is equal parts one of the gentlest humans and it makes me so soft. I just want to give him a big hug.
All in all, this was amazing. Beautiful way to tie up loose ends. I can't wait for the third one.
August 2, 2025
I really hate how annoying and, let's face it, stupid Chloe was in this one. What a waste of the Chloe we met in book 1. Nothing is more irritating than a character shitting all over the people saving their ass.
otoh, I loved the Vie-Emmett interactions (and I guess the Emmett/Jim stuff was good too, sigh). I really appreciate how GA is writing both Emmett and Vie as polyam, even if they're not acting on it in terms of the physical aspect. They both love the other, and they both know it. And Emmett is open with Jim about his love for Vie; he's not lying about it. The problem is that these two dudes who love each other are in relationships with two other dudes who, sure, they also love, but who absolutely are not onboard with sharing. Which is ALWAYS going to be unsatisfactory for the people involved, and more to the point, for the reader. Because Team Vemmet is going to point to these proofs of love as, well, proof of endgame, whether that's Vie/Emmett alone or Vie/Emmett/Jim or a polycule situation. While Team Jemmett or Vaustin (shut up, I'm too tired to think up pithy portmanteaus) will just be annoyed that the other dude is still hanging around. GA is trying so hard to unfuck the ending of HF that I feel kind of bad about it. Sorry, GA. This circle can't be squared. At least without getting rid of Austin. Austin volunteers as tribute!
Paranormal monsters also happened. I remember nothing.
Oh! Content note for heavy mentions of Tesla. Which, the 2025 understanding actually fits Emmett's parents (who bought the car) perfectly, so well played, I guess?
otoh, I loved the Vie-Emmett interactions (and I guess the Emmett/Jim stuff was good too, sigh). I really appreciate how GA is writing both Emmett and Vie as polyam, even if they're not acting on it in terms of the physical aspect. They both love the other, and they both know it. And Emmett is open with Jim about his love for Vie; he's not lying about it. The problem is that these two dudes who love each other are in relationships with two other dudes who, sure, they also love, but who absolutely are not onboard with sharing. Which is ALWAYS going to be unsatisfactory for the people involved, and more to the point, for the reader. Because Team Vemmet is going to point to these proofs of love as, well, proof of endgame, whether that's Vie/Emmett alone or Vie/Emmett/Jim or a polycule situation. While Team Jemmett or Vaustin (shut up, I'm too tired to think up pithy portmanteaus) will just be annoyed that the other dude is still hanging around. GA is trying so hard to unfuck the ending of HF that I feel kind of bad about it. Sorry, GA. This circle can't be squared. At least without getting rid of Austin. Austin volunteers as tribute!
Paranormal monsters also happened. I remember nothing.
Oh! Content note for heavy mentions of Tesla. Which, the 2025 understanding actually fits Emmett's parents (who bought the car) perfectly, so well played, I guess?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2023
This is how you write a book. A crescendo of tension and emotions erupting in an epic battle and offering the most satisfying resolution. Honestly, if I had made a list of all the must-have, nice-to-have and I-can't-believe-I'm-lucky-enough-to-have, Greg would have ticked all of the items. This one is my favourite of the series so far.
I don't want to spoil anything but it made me appreciate Hollow Folk more, like it gave me a different perspective on it. I just cannot wait for book 3
I don't want to spoil anything but it made me appreciate Hollow Folk more, like it gave me a different perspective on it. I just cannot wait for book 3
January 28, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Queer Fires is the second book in the Flint and Tinder series and this review may contain spoilers for the series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Queer Fires is the second book in the Flint and Tinder series and this review may contain spoilers for the series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 20, 2023
Emmett, to whom, from now on, we shall call His Majesty, the King of Self-Sabotage, Duke of Manipulative Ploys and Earl of Holy Bratiness is doing his thing: driving Jim crazy, getting everyone around him mad as hatters and taking really bad decisions. Yep, nothing much has changed *bangs head against wall*
And Jim... Jim just can't get his head around the way he's feeling, he keeps denaying himself while, as Emmett puts it, '(he) ...started fucking everything that moves' in his haste for staying the hell away from Emmett
Right then, Chloe shows up, seeking asylum from the people who are trying to kidnap her and who had no problem with shooting anyone who is between them and their prey. Of course, all hell broke loose ~sighs~ That girl will never learn, won't she?
Do you remember the war from the previous book? It's still going, and both bands are quite willing to get their hands on both, Emmett and Jim so they can learn how their powers work. Getting Chloe wouldn't hurt, either because Adonai has some rotten plans that include her power.
So yes, they are just in the middle of a very violent conflict and the people they are fighting against? They are powerful .
The plot is not as complex as Ashe's books usually are, but the characters? They certainly are. The trauma, the self-doubt, the sense of unworthiness and the fear of rejection... you can almost taste it on them. Emmett, particularly, is hard to read, His absolute lack of awareness regarding his best characteristics: his courage, his loyalty, his willingness to do whatever it takes for those he loves is staggeringly sad.
And yes, he loves Jim, but he loves Vie, too. And although I really, really like Jim I still don't think they are good for each other. And I still think that Austin is, again, as Emmett puts it, 'so vanilla that if you’re around him for more than an hour or so, you forget he exists' Yes, he's a good boy, and you can see that he has helped Vie to get better, but... *shrugs* he's not my favourite :P
But that's my opinion and none of them are known for caring about random people's opinions :P
So, should you read this book? ABSOLUTELY! But you should read 'Hollow Folks' first, not only Ember Boys. Not just because these are really good books but because you'll want to arrive here with the whole backstory to fully understand the characters' journey.
Deeply emotional, breathtaking and with a final battle that will have you cheering and fearing for them almost in the same breath of air, this is (obviously) a fully recommended read.
And Jim... Jim just can't get his head around the way he's feeling, he keeps denaying himself while, as Emmett puts it, '(he) ...started fucking everything that moves' in his haste for staying the hell away from Emmett
Right then, Chloe shows up, seeking asylum from the people who are trying to kidnap her and who had no problem with shooting anyone who is between them and their prey. Of course, all hell broke loose ~sighs~ That girl will never learn, won't she?
Do you remember the war from the previous book? It's still going, and both bands are quite willing to get their hands on both, Emmett and Jim so they can learn how their powers work. Getting Chloe wouldn't hurt, either because Adonai has some rotten plans that include her power.
So yes, they are just in the middle of a very violent conflict and the people they are fighting against? They are powerful .
The plot is not as complex as Ashe's books usually are, but the characters? They certainly are. The trauma, the self-doubt, the sense of unworthiness and the fear of rejection... you can almost taste it on them. Emmett, particularly, is hard to read, His absolute lack of awareness regarding his best characteristics: his courage, his loyalty, his willingness to do whatever it takes for those he loves is staggeringly sad.
And yes, he loves Jim, but he loves Vie, too. And although I really, really like Jim I still don't think they are good for each other. And I still think that Austin is, again, as Emmett puts it, 'so vanilla that if you’re around him for more than an hour or so, you forget he exists' Yes, he's a good boy, and you can see that he has helped Vie to get better, but... *shrugs* he's not my favourite :P
But that's my opinion and none of them are known for caring about random people's opinions :P
So, should you read this book? ABSOLUTELY! But you should read 'Hollow Folks' first, not only Ember Boys. Not just because these are really good books but because you'll want to arrive here with the whole backstory to fully understand the characters' journey.
Deeply emotional, breathtaking and with a final battle that will have you cheering and fearing for them almost in the same breath of air, this is (obviously) a fully recommended read.
April 20, 2023
If I had to wait 2 years for this book, I would not have been happy. I waited until the series was complete to start.
I’m still not convinced these characters belong together. It’s the oddest of pairing. Their chemistry is a bit meh to me. I guess that is what’s throwing me off with this story. Plus their first sex scene was fade to black like WTF. Eye roll 🙄 I’m glad I read the previous series first otherwise all the Vie and Austin complications would be lost to me. Vie is still Vie though.
“Irony helped you understand what it meant when the boy who couldn’t be hurt was the one with all the scars, when the boy who couldn’t be hurt was the one who was always the most vulnerable.” One of the better passages in the book.
I think I need a break from these 2. I’ll read book 3 eventually plus I have the short stories. I normally enjoy Ashe’s books but this one seemed pointless and the meandering plot was meh. 😬
I’m still not convinced these characters belong together. It’s the oddest of pairing. Their chemistry is a bit meh to me. I guess that is what’s throwing me off with this story. Plus their first sex scene was fade to black like WTF. Eye roll 🙄 I’m glad I read the previous series first otherwise all the Vie and Austin complications would be lost to me. Vie is still Vie though.
“Irony helped you understand what it meant when the boy who couldn’t be hurt was the one with all the scars, when the boy who couldn’t be hurt was the one who was always the most vulnerable.” One of the better passages in the book.
I think I need a break from these 2. I’ll read book 3 eventually plus I have the short stories. I normally enjoy Ashe’s books but this one seemed pointless and the meandering plot was meh. 😬
January 30, 2023
4.25 stars. Glad to see Emmett and Jim together at the end, and that Vie and Austin are still going strong. Hopefully everyone will still be standing after The Whole World Tinder comes out in March 🤞.
February 4, 2023
3-3.5 stars
Ehhh.... It's been ages since I read the first book, and the only thing I could remember about it was the ending. I was hoping this book will be a bit better. And it had me in the first half, I'm not gonna lie. But then it started to get a bit... I don't even know? There was a lot going on and some things were, to me, a bit... Pointless? I was left thinking WHY?????
It wasn't a bad read, but... yeah, disappointing.
Ehhh.... It's been ages since I read the first book, and the only thing I could remember about it was the ending. I was hoping this book will be a bit better. And it had me in the first half, I'm not gonna lie. But then it started to get a bit... I don't even know? There was a lot going on and some things were, to me, a bit... Pointless? I was left thinking WHY?????
It wasn't a bad read, but... yeah, disappointing.
January 9, 2026
2024: 4.0
Bi-M/M, F/F
Bi-M/M, F/F
January 27, 2023
Oh, this book. This book led me on quite a wild ride. I mean, I expect nothing less for Ashe’s books but holy moly, nothing really prepares you. There are a couple mild relationship spoilers under the cut a couple paragraphs down, but this review does contain spoilers for Hollow Folk and alludes to the ending of Ember Boys, so maybe don’t read it if you haven’t read those.
So, you may recall that the first book in this series, Ember Boys, ended on quite a cliffie. And me? I’m a die-hard Vie girl. And despite Jim and Emmett being the focus of the Flint and Tinder books, I just can’t quite get over Emmett and Vie not ending up together at the end of Hollow Folk. So I was invested, INVESTED, in that cliffhanger. And Queer Fires? It does NOT pick up where Ember Boys left off. Oh, we learn how it all fell out, but Ashe makes us WORK for it. Which was frustrating, but sort of deliciously so. It created a wonderful, twisty sort of tension underlying the first part of the book.
But despite holding out on the key information about the cliffhanger, you barely notice because this book is FULL of action. It is fast-paced as our men bounce from once hectic emergency situation to the next, mostly brought about by Emmett’s friend, Chloe, whom we met in the first book. Chloe is once again on the run but this time the danger is focused not only on her but on her girlfriend as well. And she’s seeking help from Emmett and Jim who each say yes for their own reasons.
I loved the supernatural action in this book. In the Hollow Folk, the supernatural community is small, wounded, and disconnected. In the Flint and Tinder books, we see supernatural communities that are large, planned, and powerful. It’s a totally different feel, with different politics and factions and a whole organized hierarchy – it was so interesting to see the contrast against the Vehpese crowd. I also continue to be totally engaged with how the Vehpese gang has such strong powers compared to the new supes.
So I loved the action and intrigue, but as always I read Ashe for the characters. His beautiful, flawed, messy characters. Like Emmett, my sweet Emmett. The king of self-sabotaging brats, with his sharp tongue and his brave heart. I’d read books about him forever.
I’m putting the next bit under a spoiler cut because I have some feelings about Jim & Emmett and Emmett & Vie that need some air.
But I am so ready for book 3. March can’t come fast enough!!
Note: I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So, you may recall that the first book in this series, Ember Boys, ended on quite a cliffie. And me? I’m a die-hard Vie girl. And despite Jim and Emmett being the focus of the Flint and Tinder books, I just can’t quite get over Emmett and Vie not ending up together at the end of Hollow Folk. So I was invested, INVESTED, in that cliffhanger. And Queer Fires? It does NOT pick up where Ember Boys left off. Oh, we learn how it all fell out, but Ashe makes us WORK for it. Which was frustrating, but sort of deliciously so. It created a wonderful, twisty sort of tension underlying the first part of the book.
But despite holding out on the key information about the cliffhanger, you barely notice because this book is FULL of action. It is fast-paced as our men bounce from once hectic emergency situation to the next, mostly brought about by Emmett’s friend, Chloe, whom we met in the first book. Chloe is once again on the run but this time the danger is focused not only on her but on her girlfriend as well. And she’s seeking help from Emmett and Jim who each say yes for their own reasons.
I loved the supernatural action in this book. In the Hollow Folk, the supernatural community is small, wounded, and disconnected. In the Flint and Tinder books, we see supernatural communities that are large, planned, and powerful. It’s a totally different feel, with different politics and factions and a whole organized hierarchy – it was so interesting to see the contrast against the Vehpese crowd. I also continue to be totally engaged with how the Vehpese gang has such strong powers compared to the new supes.
So I loved the action and intrigue, but as always I read Ashe for the characters. His beautiful, flawed, messy characters. Like Emmett, my sweet Emmett. The king of self-sabotaging brats, with his sharp tongue and his brave heart. I’d read books about him forever.
I’m putting the next bit under a spoiler cut because I have some feelings about Jim & Emmett and Emmett & Vie that need some air.
But I am so ready for book 3. March can’t come fast enough!!
Note: I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2023
[4.5 rounded up] The long-awaited sequel to Ember Boys! After being left on an excruciating cliffhanger, we pick up 13 months later, with Emmett and Jim predictably avoiding having to talk about their real feelings, each for his own reasons.
Emmett remains the brattiest of brats and it was fun to see him push Jim's buttons in ways that only he can. I was fully invested in the current state of their dynamic and wondering how they got here. We get a slow reveal of what transpired that night and what led to them avoiding having a conversation about it. My one quibble is that it's hard to believe it wouldn't have come up in over a year. A few months is believable, but 13 months seems like a stretch, even for masters of miscommunication such as Emmett and Jim.
That being said, Queer Fires provides satisfying resolution and closure to many loose ends. I can't go into specifics about my favorite part of the book without posting major spoilers, so I'll just say that it made my heart full and I cried. If you know me, you might be able to guess which part. Gregory Ashe excels at writing fully realized characters with complex relationships and it's never more apparent than in this book.
Emmett remains the brattiest of brats and it was fun to see him push Jim's buttons in ways that only he can. I was fully invested in the current state of their dynamic and wondering how they got here. We get a slow reveal of what transpired that night and what led to them avoiding having a conversation about it. My one quibble is that it's hard to believe it wouldn't have come up in over a year. A few months is believable, but 13 months seems like a stretch, even for masters of miscommunication such as Emmett and Jim.
That being said, Queer Fires provides satisfying resolution and closure to many loose ends. I can't go into specifics about my favorite part of the book without posting major spoilers, so I'll just say that it made my heart full and I cried. If you know me, you might be able to guess which part. Gregory Ashe excels at writing fully realized characters with complex relationships and it's never more apparent than in this book.
March 21, 2023
Another fantastic installment in the Flint and Tinder series! This one definitely felt more action packed than the first book with the relationship development between Emmett and Jim not as evenly distributed through the book as I would have wanted (want more in the beginning please!) but can’t wait to read the next! As always, Gregory Ashe has created a compelling world with characters that jump of the page! Definitely recommend but make sure you read the first book as this doesn’t stand alone in my opinion.
* I received a a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
* I received a a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 25, 2023
Finally! I have been waiting forever for Gregory Ashe to continue the Flint and Tinder series, although it's only been two years (as a GRRM fan, it's a drop in the bucket).
The latest installment in the series sees Jim and Emmett settling down of sorts in California. But as all good plans must go awry, they end up getting caught in the middle of a war between two factions of people with special powers just like theirs.
Ember Boys (Flint and Tinder Book 1) was my foray into the Hollow Folk series, so Jim and Emmett have a special place in my heart. I have to say, after reading Hollow Folk and Flint and Tinder, I was a little sad that Vie and Emmett couldn't make things work, but I'm happy for Jim and Emmett anyway. I love Emmett's snarky smart-assery and Jim's equanimity and determination to be a good person - although I could not have had his patience with Chloe and determination to continue to.help her. I would have told that chick to get to steppin' at the first gunshot.
I loved this book, I wish it were longer, and I can't wait for Book 3.
Thank you, as always, to Gregory Ashe for an ARC of this book.
The latest installment in the series sees Jim and Emmett settling down of sorts in California. But as all good plans must go awry, they end up getting caught in the middle of a war between two factions of people with special powers just like theirs.
Ember Boys (Flint and Tinder Book 1) was my foray into the Hollow Folk series, so Jim and Emmett have a special place in my heart. I have to say, after reading Hollow Folk and Flint and Tinder, I was a little sad that Vie and Emmett couldn't make things work, but I'm happy for Jim and Emmett anyway. I love Emmett's snarky smart-assery and Jim's equanimity and determination to be a good person - although I could not have had his patience with Chloe and determination to continue to.help her. I would have told that chick to get to steppin' at the first gunshot.
I loved this book, I wish it were longer, and I can't wait for Book 3.
Thank you, as always, to Gregory Ashe for an ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2023
Queer Fires
Gregory Ashe’s second novel in the Flint and Tinder Series is fast-paced and full of all the quintessential Ashe techniques that make his work a must read. Queer Fires picks up 13 months after we left Jim and Emmett in Ember Boys. They are living together but are not “together” even though they are in love. It takes almost dying - again - for the two of them to finally open up and be honest with each other. They are once again caught up in the fight between rival groups of ‘enhanced’ humans and have to rely on each other and their wits to escape. As I said, this book is fast-paced and delves deeper into the world building that started in the Hollow Folk series. There more questions than answers in this book which means that there is definitely at least one more in this series. The characters are well-developed and, as always, Ashe is king of the slow burn. I really enjoy the author’s writing style and one scene in particular had me laughing out loud. I won’t ruin it - but it may involve something large and rainbow coloured.
Gregory Ashe’s second novel in the Flint and Tinder Series is fast-paced and full of all the quintessential Ashe techniques that make his work a must read. Queer Fires picks up 13 months after we left Jim and Emmett in Ember Boys. They are living together but are not “together” even though they are in love. It takes almost dying - again - for the two of them to finally open up and be honest with each other. They are once again caught up in the fight between rival groups of ‘enhanced’ humans and have to rely on each other and their wits to escape. As I said, this book is fast-paced and delves deeper into the world building that started in the Hollow Folk series. There more questions than answers in this book which means that there is definitely at least one more in this series. The characters are well-developed and, as always, Ashe is king of the slow burn. I really enjoy the author’s writing style and one scene in particular had me laughing out loud. I won’t ruin it - but it may involve something large and rainbow coloured.
January 15, 2023
So, full disclosure: I was about 70% through this book before I realized I hadn't read book one. Whoops! In my defense, I read... oh, lord. It looks as if I didn't even read the fourth book of the Hollow Folk series. What's wrong with me? Anyway, I thought I knew what I was supposed to when I started this one, and it all worked out (and yay, now I have two more Greg Ashe books to look forward to).
Bottom line: I don't think I'd want to read this without fairly extensive knowledge of the Hollow Folk books (though, again, whoops me on book four), but I thought it worked fine without book one of this series. (In my defense, I have an aversion to short books, which is why I didn't buy Ember Boys to begin with. But I'll catch up now, I promise.) As always, Greg's characters are flawed and fucked up and compelling, and the story is a roller coaster.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
Bottom line: I don't think I'd want to read this without fairly extensive knowledge of the Hollow Folk books (though, again, whoops me on book four), but I thought it worked fine without book one of this series. (In my defense, I have an aversion to short books, which is why I didn't buy Ember Boys to begin with. But I'll catch up now, I promise.) As always, Greg's characters are flawed and fucked up and compelling, and the story is a roller coaster.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
February 2, 2023
I want to love this series. You don't know how badly I want to. Emmett has my heart and he was an amazing character in the Hollow Folk series.
This branch off is underwhelming. Emmett is a mess and not completely likable and I'm not buying the romance between him and Jim. The most emotional scenes were between Vie and Emmett.
AND.....all this build up and then we finally get to the first sex scene and it was off page. WTH with that? I'm not someone who needs on page sex scenes in books but I felt like it was really needed here. I need something to buy a relationship between these two.
*sigh* (I just want Austin and Jim to go away and Emmett and Vie to get back together.)
Soooooo a meh book. Really meh. I wish the author would put more effort in to this series. It's not remotely as good or as detailed as his other stuff and the characters are not well developed. Which, is weird when they were well developed in the other series.
This branch off is underwhelming. Emmett is a mess and not completely likable and I'm not buying the romance between him and Jim. The most emotional scenes were between Vie and Emmett.
AND.....all this build up and then we finally get to the first sex scene and it was off page. WTH with that? I'm not someone who needs on page sex scenes in books but I felt like it was really needed here. I need something to buy a relationship between these two.
*sigh* (I just want Austin and Jim to go away and Emmett and Vie to get back together.)
Soooooo a meh book. Really meh. I wish the author would put more effort in to this series. It's not remotely as good or as detailed as his other stuff and the characters are not well developed. Which, is weird when they were well developed in the other series.
March 18, 2023
Gregory writes complex characters and sassy dialogue. His stories are always well-researched and elaborate. The sassy dialogue gets me every time- For example, Emmett is listening to Jim regarding his absences in school…..
““You had way more absences than the district allows. You shouldn’t have gotten a credit for second semester.” ”Uh, ok. But I did. I graduated.” “Well, yes. Your mother brought in a doctor’s note.” I couldn’t tell exactly what it was, but I could sense the existential horror waiting on the other side of JImbo’s punchline. “From her gynecologist,” Jim said, and his grin glittered again. He was trying not to laugh. “We-the other teachers and I –we called it your hysterical pregnancy.” I couldn’t help it: I shoved him. “
Highly recommend this series and any and ALL Gregory Ashe books. Waiting on #3.
““You had way more absences than the district allows. You shouldn’t have gotten a credit for second semester.” ”Uh, ok. But I did. I graduated.” “Well, yes. Your mother brought in a doctor’s note.” I couldn’t tell exactly what it was, but I could sense the existential horror waiting on the other side of JImbo’s punchline. “From her gynecologist,” Jim said, and his grin glittered again. He was trying not to laugh. “We-the other teachers and I –we called it your hysterical pregnancy.” I couldn’t help it: I shoved him. “
Highly recommend this series and any and ALL Gregory Ashe books. Waiting on #3.
January 28, 2023
This installment of the Flint and Tinder series finds Jim and Emmett settling down of sorts in California.
Of course trouble finds them wherever they are.
The story starts off fast and never lets up. It it quite the rollercoaster of a ride and I just kept turning page after page.
I devoured this book and can't wait for the next installment.
Of course trouble finds them wherever they are.
The story starts off fast and never lets up. It it quite the rollercoaster of a ride and I just kept turning page after page.
I devoured this book and can't wait for the next installment.
January 30, 2023
I’ll always look forward to a Gregory Ashe book. 99% of his work is binge worthy. Creates character development very realistically. Just the right amount of angst and does not make a teenage MC too adult, though still mature for his age.
Ashe is one of the authors I keep myself updated with to make sure I don’t miss a new release.
Ashe is one of the authors I keep myself updated with to make sure I don’t miss a new release.
March 27, 2024
3.5 stars
Finally y’all… Them getting together was long past due. Lack of communication tropes kill me… like they wasted and caused each other over a year of unnecessary pain for what??? Anyway this ended really cute, too bad I kinda hate Chloe (and I most definitely hate Sarai). I don’t like these west coast families at all. But I enjoyed the Vie and Austin cameo <3 my babies.
Finally y’all… Them getting together was long past due. Lack of communication tropes kill me… like they wasted and caused each other over a year of unnecessary pain for what??? Anyway this ended really cute, too bad I kinda hate Chloe (and I most definitely hate Sarai). I don’t like these west coast families at all. But I enjoyed the Vie and Austin cameo <3 my babies.
January 28, 2023
I enjoyed this loads more than the first book - loved seeing Vie again, still hate Jim so f-ing much. The teacher stuff is not cute, it’s gross and condescending and he treats Emmett like a child (eg confiscating his fake ID, wtf man).
August 8, 2023
Good second book. It ended a little abruptly. I enjoy Emmet and Jim as characters. Their story doesn't seem to be as well developed. Gregory Ashe is a good writer and is able to tell a story with Gay characters and not make it trashy.
August 18, 2023
A cracking second outing for this spin-off series. I love the world-building between the two factions with paranormal powers and of course, the turbulent relationship between Emmett, Prince of Snarkness and ever-patient Jim. Fabulous read!
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