kaeta
Written on Mar 24, 2015
Derivative, but a mostly entertaining read. Way too short, it pretty much stops in the middle of the book. Not a bad choice if you're looking for more of the same.
- ISBN10 1520449984
- ISBN13 9781520449982
- Publish Date 28 January 2015 (first published 24 January 2015)
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint Independently Published
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 234
- Language English
Reviews
Derivative, but a mostly entertaining read. Way too short, it pretty much stops in the middle of the book. Not a bad choice if you're looking for more of the same.
Berls
Written on Mar 17, 2015
4.5 stars
**I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
I've had my eyes on Cursed By Fire since I helped with the cover reveal this past summer. I'm an Urban Fantasy die-hard and this one had my name all over it. And Cursed By Fire did not let me down! It's a great start to what I expect will be a great series.
It has several of my favorite elements.. For one a kick ass heroine, but one who's got serious growth potential. It's called Cursed By Fire for a reason! Aria's fire magic is awesome, but since she doesn't have full control or understanding of it, there's definitely a bit of a curse to it. I loved seeing her struggle to control her magic and, I have to admit, I probably loved it even more when she lost control because that was one awesome, kick-ass scene! I whooped aloud!
And then there's the paranormal side - vampires and shifters on the brink of war, no to mention those with pysch abilities like Aria's (she's pyrokinetic) and those we haven't seen much of yet like witches and mages (I hope for them on future books). It was all well done and there were some fun fresh twists to the world. I think Danielle Annett's world has taken staples - such as the pack heirarchies, vampirism, magic, and some sort of Lyconthropy Virus - that you see in any UF series and given them their own unique twist and voice.
I enjoyed the action and the twists and the hints at future romance - there was a little, but (as I expect from UF) it was understated. I really liked the relationships - from romantaic interests to friendships - and I see a lot of potential for growth along several different lines. My favorite side character was probably the Harpy, a friend and neighbor who's love of causing mischeif led to quite a few laughs. While there were some moments where I felt the characters acted in stupid ways, that they should have known better, just for the sake of the plot, that certainly was overshadowed by how much I enjoyed Cursed by Fire. I'm really looking forward to more!
kimbacaffeinate
Written on Feb 21, 2015
The world: In the Blood & Magic world vampires and shifters, along with other supernatural creatures revealed themselves to humans in what is referred to as the Awakening. The world itself is similar to ours and parties are vying for control. Aside from pharmaceutical companies, it looks like the world is still functioning normally much like the world of Mercy Thompson. The vampires have taken up residence in town and the shifters have a compound in the woods outside of town.
Key Characters: Aria works at Sanborn Place (mercenary/detective group with no political ties). She was orphaned after the Awakening and spent time on the streets before joining Sanborn Place. She is confident, opinionated and holds firm to her beliefs. She feels like a bit of a misfit due to her abilities and lack of control. James, is one of a handful of people Aria would consider friend/family. He is also the local shifters, hunter. Mike runs Sanborn Place and to Aria he is father figure. Mel is a harpie who lives next door and she is hilarious. Rebecka, an ice-cold vampire loves to hold court and remind everyone she is Queen. She leads the local Coven. The shifters are led by alpha Declan Valkenaar who runs the packs like a corporate business. Both are strong characters who would like Aria in their pocket. A stranger who befriends Aria unlocks secrets and reveals dangers for all parties.
The plot: Aria takes on a missing person case involving Daniel Blackmore, a seven year old who goes missing just a few doors from his home. When she finds him dead it looks like a vampire was involved, but the case takes a strange twist when it is discovered he was a shifter. James is brought in by the pack and he and Aria begin investigating. As bodies pile up, Aria learns more about Psykers and a new human movement. Things begin to get complicated and Aria soon finds herself in the middle of it all.
Caffeinated conclusion: Cursed by Fire kept me engaged and I had fun reading it. Fan of Kate Daniels and the Mercy Thompson series will find Curse of Fire to be a nice cross between the two. It reminded me of both worlds, but Annett put her own stamp on things. It is light and action packed without the darkness of KD and Aria is more levelheaded then Mercy. I am curious to see how the story develops.
copy provided by author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Cocktails and Books
Written on Jan 24, 2015
Aria is currently in Spokane, Washington working as a mercenary. She’s working an abduction and murder case of a 7-year-old boy. The boy turns out to be a shifter and fingers are pointed at the vampire coven as the ones responsible. When a second shifter is murdered along with a vampire, both shifters and vampires begin preparing for war. Are one or both factions responsible or is there another deadlier threat on the horizon? Chaos ensues and lines are drawn. Aria wants no part of the upcoming war but she may not have a choice as every faction plots to woo her—and her invaluable powers—to their side. The action is just starting to heat up in this brilliantly crafted dog-eat-dog world where trust is deceptive and safety is a façade.
Oh my GOODNESS! I completely devoured this book in one siting it was THAT GOOD! I loved the reading about the new reality after the Awakening and about all the paranormal beings. I also loved Aria. Her strength was admirable and her constant struggles with self-control made her easily relatable. I liked how the story is told from first person point-of-view but I would have loved to have had other POV’s from James, a wolf shifter who’s a friend of Aria’s, Mike, Aria’s boss and father-figure and other characters in the story. On the other hand, being told from first person leaves more of a mystery and it’s one I’m completely hooked on!
I’m not sure what genre this book falls under but while reading it, it did feel a bit like a New Adult fantasy. There wasn’t any romance in the book but there’s certainly promise of one and I could see the possibility of a love triangle but there have been no love/lust feelings developed between Aria and any character in the book, yet. The story was solely focused on the suspense/mystery aspect as well as the threat of war.
I thought the story was amazing and I loved every word of it. The prologue gives us a little taste of what’s awaiting Aria in the next book and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
Reviewed by Elizabeth H for Cocktails and Books