BURNED
Donovan Circus Series #2
by Liz Long
Publisher: Self-Published (Dec 19, 2013)
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, New Adult
Format: eARC (303 pages)
Source: Free book from author for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)
“Tell Sheffield that Medved is hunting him…the Bear is coming.”
Nearly a month after Lucy Sullivan saved the Donovan Circus from certain death, she discovers that Dr. Felix Hardy wasn’t the only bad guy around. When Lucy is attacked on home ground, Sheffield Donovan reveals that there are bigger foes in their world, gifted that use their powers to kill others – including her own family, as she learns from her ringmaster mentor. Medved, a Russian thug and powerful Shapeshifter, is intent on outing the gifted world and will stop at nothing to succeed.
In order to survive, Lucy and her friends must travel to another show, the Grayson Circus, for help. The uneasy alliance with owner Albert Grayson comes with potential new friends and dark secrets about their competition, including a troublemaker named Mel and an old flame of Lucy’s father. Lucy must also contend with her feelings about Keegan and Gabriel, as well as learn how to contain her rampant emotions or risk setting the entire place ablaze.
Will Lucy be able to save the Donovan Circus again? Or will Medved and his men slaughter everyone in their path on the way to gifted domination?
At A Glance
A very good sequel to Gifted, but for some reason I wasn’t as excited as I hoped I’d be.
The Good
I really loved Gifted, the first book of the series. The concept of a circus full of real magically talented people is super fun and unique. I think Burned did a good job of continuing to show the struggle this circus goes through to stay safe from people who want to destroy them. This group never gets a break from the badies and I respected how they stuck together to fight as one.
Lucy’s the same intelligent and logical girl we have come to know. She had a shaky start in Gifted, but now she is a solid member of her group of friends and the circus. She still battles with improving her fire gift and with making a decision on the two boys who love her. But she puts everything aside when the lives of her friends are in jeopardy by outside forces wanting to destroy them. I love how Lucy is always so willing to stick up for and fight with the good guys no matter how scared or unsure she is. It helps that her friends are always there for her. But more than anything, Lucy has a strong sense of justice.
The writing was well done. The other characters were the same and it was nice to see them again. The few action scenes were pretty scary, but it was the twists and turns that were the best part. The dark undertone throughout the story made me nervous to see who would come out alive. And people do die, so don’t fell safe.
The Bad
I think my tastes/likes as a reader have evolved this past year since I read Gifted, (which I gave 4 stars) which made me fine Burned not as interesting/exciting. If I hadn’t change as a reader, Burned would have been another 4 starer. It was just as good at Gifted, but it just didn’t hit me that way this time.
For some reason, I wasn’t as attached to the characters this time around. I also felt like not enough happened to really get me super excited about any part of the story. Last, the ending felt more like luck instead of a victory because of talent. Lucy really isn’t growing that much in her power for me.
The Snuggly
Love triangle alert! I didn’t mind it at all though. We have Keegan, the sweet boy, and Gabriel, the sexy bad boy. I liked and disliked them both of different reasons. Lucy does finally choose who she wants to be with, and I thought her choice was exactly what I wanted, but I found myself disappointed in the end. Which is my fault, I just don’t know what I want anymore.
There is cussing but sexual content is safe for young adult readers.
Final Thoughts
I think I would read the next book in the series but I would have to get in the right frame of mind to enjoy it. I think most people will enjoy this book and series. It has a unique concept which is hard to find nowadays. Recommended.
I shrugged. “Medved had to have been the attacker tonight, right? Why didn’t he just kill me right then and there?”
He harrumphed. “He is a predator that enjoys the fear in his prey. He likes to scare his enemies before he attacks.”
“Can’t say it didn’t work.” The memory of the cold blade against my skin made me shiver. I could almost feel Medved’s hiss in my ears.
Book Blather
My tastes change with time too – I reread a childhood favorite the other day and was most disappointed! I’m sorry you found you’d outgrown this series slightly.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I have reread books before and sometimes they just don’t hit me the same years later.
Elisa
I have totally changed as a reader too! It is both awesome and upsetting. Honestly, I think that is why I mix up the genres so much, so each one feels “new” when I get to it. I love the magical circus idea and might just have to check this series out – when I am in the mood for YA that is 🙂 Lovely review
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I still think others would really enjoy this series. Especially you. I could totally so you loving this one.
Braine TS
After I read Water For Elephants, that turned me off circus themed books. I guess it ruined it for me LOL. There’s only one fantasy circus series I read, Dirty Monsters by Jackie Trippier Holt. The books are novellas too so it’s quick, easy and gives me instant gratification. If you want to check out another series similar to this, I recommend that one.
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks girl, I will check those out. I know what you mean when certain books turn you off to similar book concepts. It sucks
kimbacaffeinate
This almost sounds like it is suffering middle book syndrome. We all change as readers, go through phases and even genre changes.
Jennifer Bielman
Maybe it was MBS. I never even thought of that.
Cindy R. Wilson
The series definitely has a unique premise. Thanks for the review, I might have to check these out.
Jennifer Bielman
It is very unique, that’s why I like it.