BLAZE OF SECRETS
Asylums for Magical Threats Series #1
by Jessie Donovan
Publisher: Self Published (Dec. 2013)
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Adult
Format: eBook (novel length)
Source: Free book from author for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
To avoid persecution, the Feiru will do anything to keep their elemental magic a secret from humans—even lock away their children for life. Few know what goes on inside the prison system for magic users, but that is about to change…
Kiarra Melini overhears the dangerous secrets of her blood and decides that if Feiru elemental magic is to survive, she needs to die. But before she can finish the deed, a handsome black-clad man kidnaps her from prison and introduces her to an anti-prison activist group. As the prison retrieval squad hunts for her, Kiarra must overcome the demons of her past or risk losing not only her newfound freedom, but also the man who reawakens her desires and captures her heart.
Jaxton Ward finally rescues his older brother from prison, but instead of helping with his brother’s recovery, he’s ordered to train Kiarra—a stubborn elemental fire user who claims her magic is gone. But just as Kiarra starts trusting him with her secrets, the prison enforcers catch up with them. Now Jaxton must find a way to keep his family safe while also protecting the only woman able to ignite both his temper and his passion.
At A Glance
I really enjoyed this book. The story and characters were great. But there was a lot unresolved in the end.
The Good
Blaze of Secrets was a refreshing paranormal read. I loved the unique magical element and the scary as hell AMT (the place were magical children are kept, experimented on, and often killed). The characters drew me in and kept me reading.
Kiarra was such a great character. She was broken and fearful from years spent in the AMT but she had a strong will that never let her truly give up. Kiarra grew so much in this book, especially with Jaxton’s help. His tough love brought out her warrior side. She was so selfless and admirable I could easily see why Jaxton couldn’t get her out of his heart.
Jaxton was a total alpha-male but with a sweet side. He used rough and tough techniques in training Kiarra and bringing her out of her shell and it totally worked. Jaxton tried to keep his relationship with Kiarra professional, but they were irrevocably drawn together. Jaxton helped Kiarra become a fighter and a woman. He really was a great support and strong arm for Kiarra throughout the whole story.
The writing was good and the action was really great. The world building was amazing. I am really interested in learning more about this mad world Donovan created, as well as the characters within it.
The Bad
My biggest problem was the ending. So much was left unresolved. Some characters were just never heard from again. I hate that. Even if the next book is about them, I feel we need to have some closure on what happened to them, bad or good.
Some parts were a little boring. Not a lot, mind you, just some.
The Snuggly
It took some time for Kiarra and Jaxton to get together but they were great together once they caved to their feelings. I loved how they brought out the best in each other. For the life of me I can’t remember the sex scenes but I am pretty sure they were there. lol, I know, I suck.
Final Thoughts
I would definitely read the next book in this series. Blaze of Secrets felt unique and the characters really drove the story. A great start to a great series. Very recommended.
“If there’s one thing you need to remember, it’s this: blood doesn’t necessary make a family. Ambition and power change people in unpredictable ways.”
“I can’t guarantee that I’ll never slip up, but I’ll try to ask first, act later. Now, will you tell me why you can gather fire all of a sudden?”
“Just be careful not to char off my bollocks.”
“He wondered if her hair smelled just as good. Where the hell had that come from?”
Chene Sterckx
Great review Jennifer 🙂 I love finding refreshing story lines especially in the paranormal genre!
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.
Jennifer Bielman
It really was refreshing.
Sarah Elizabeth
‘unique magical element’ sounds good!
Jennifer Bielman
🙂
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
Nooo it’s terrible when they leave things unresolved, sounds really frustrating! The plot of magical children getting captured and experimented on sounds really dark and fascinating. Thanks for your review on this book Jennifer!
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
Jennifer Bielman
This is very dark but a lot of light shines through too.
Stacey Brutger
Great review! I’ve added it to my wish list.
Jennifer Bielman
Awesome. Happy to spread the book live.
Brandi Kosiner
Sorry to hear about the unresolved issues, sounds great otherwise
Jennifer Bielman
It was great otherwise.
sherry fundin
I saw the cover and thought, another love story. Then the title caught my eye and the first sentence of The Good made me read on. Great review. Have a fun weekend.
Jennifer Bielman
hehe, yeah, definitely not just another love story. So much more.
kimbacaffeinate
Well I am curious about the world. The ending scares me..if it didn’t wrap up then maybe this will be one of those cliffy type series instead of each book working as a standalone..eep. I will keep an eye on this one 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Well, it wasn’t really a cliffhanger perse, just a lot was unresolved. Not the worst ending I ever seen.
Braine TS
I hope you’d still give this a chance coz book 1 usually suffers from a few “holes” if you know what I mean. As for the unresolved stuff, maybe it’s the author’s way of ensuring that you stay hooked although I have a feeling that she might have overdone it?
ANyway, enjoy the weekend!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I think she wanted to make sure people read book 2. But I will read book 2 so it worked.
Jaclyn Canada
Well I’ll admit the locking children away in prisons to be experimented on and often killed would be emotional for me, but I loved The Hunger Games series even though it hurt me to read about the kids in that so I can see how this could be a strong story with a great world. I would definitely want the second one close by though if it ended that way. Fantastic review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, it was pretty hard to read that part. So sad, but the story is still good.
Elisa
Oh man, I want this book! Sounds like a great start to a new series.
Jennifer Bielman
It really was a good start.
Joy @ Thoughts By J
Sounds like an awesome start to the series, and that prison place does not appeal! It sounds a little like the camps from The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Jennifer Bielman
Haven’t read that one but I bet they are similar.