woensdag 15 augustus 2012

Kristen Callihan – Firelight

The first book in the Darkest London series, published February 1, 2012.
Genre: historical paranormal romance.

Firelight

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.
They will burn for eternity . . .
Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.


This book has been recommended by lots of bloggers I follow lately, so I got tempted into buying it at once, as well as its sequel, Moonglow. After all, thanks to the beautiful cover, it was already on my wishlist. And I have to admit, I am disappointed in this book. It really did not grab me, nor did I particularly like the characters. In my eyes, they were not really a couple, just two people living together, sharing nothing. When Benjamin did not want to tell Miranda something, she just set out to find out on her own, putting herself in danger time and again. Yes, she is capable of defending herself when necessary, but why take the risks? Why did she need to know all his deep dark secrets?

Of course there were lots of aspects in the story that I did like, especially the last few chapters. But most of the book was slow and I kept skimming, which is a very bad sign for me. I would have loved more background on Miranda, and her hard life after her father loses his fortune, and she is forced to become a thief. She loathes her father who “sells” her to Benjamin, but she is glad to leave the house.
I feel really conflicted about this book, I liked parts, and disliked others. I do hope the next one will be more to my liking. Her sisters are very interesting.

The plot was original, I did like that, and the ending, but mostly the book just was not meant for me. Luckily, I am in the minority as most people really love it. So, don’t let my review deter you, go and enjoy the book.

6 stars.



A blogger made me buy it

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

© 2012 Reviews by Aurian

13 opmerkingen:

  1. You do not seem over the moon and I am so unsure myself. I just think I would feel like you in the end

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
    Reacties
    1. Hi Blodeuedd, I have only read very enthusiastic reviews so far, so I have no idea if you will like it or not.

      Verwijderen
  2. I liked this one but didn't absolutely love it. It was entertaining to me and that's all I needed. I do remember what you meant about the slow parts, but I guess it didn't bother me as much as it did you. Sorry you didn't enjoy it a lot.

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
    Reacties
    1. Hi Melissa :) so, it is okay for me not to fall head over heels for the book, pff :) I will read the second one, as that has arrived already.

      Verwijderen
  3. Like you I have added this one to my wishlist after reading so many enthusiastic reviews. I think I'll still give it a try, even though you not liking it is a bad sign...

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
    Reacties
    1. Hi Mirjam, well, you could wait until I have read and reviewed the second book?

      Verwijderen
  4. I'm sorry it disappoint you. I think it's even more difficult because you read it after everyone. Well it's the case when I do that, I expect something and I'm always disappointed at the end. Do you think you'll try the next one? It was nice but I prefered this one I confess...

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
    Reacties
    1. Hi Melliane, I will read the second one, and perhaps I prefer that one. The story really was not bad, but I could not like the characters.

      Verwijderen
  5. Wonder if it's setting up for the next book? Sorry to hear it was slow for you. Thanks for your thoughts on it. I know many have really enjoyed it but it's not called my name yet. :)

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
    Reacties
    1. Hi Melissa, after reading three reviews in an hour by people who loved it very much, I caved. I have no idea if the second one will continue the story, I know it is about her sister though. So more paranormal romance than urban fantasy perhaps.

      Verwijderen
  6. :( Sometimes books just aren't for us! It really does suck when they don't work out but then again when you read as much as we do---they can't all possibly work!

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
    Reacties
    1. Hi Felicia, No, a person cannot possibly love every book, and I did have high hopes. I have read some great ones since though :)

      Verwijderen
  7. I should have my review up for this soon. I liked it, but didn't love it like most people did. I had trouble with the ending.

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen