Firelight

great

Finished this book in 3 hours. It was such an awesome read!

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Didn't know what to expect. All I can say is -- WOW!

This novel needs a category all it’s own; part-historical, part-paranormal and all wonderful romance. I thought this book sounded interesting, but I was not really sure what I would be getting. Let me tell you, as a romance, this book was sexy, sweet and funny. As a paranormal mystery, it kept me guessing until the final reveal. This story kept me enthralled until the very end, and I am refusing to tell you anymore since the very mystery of what happened to Lord Archer is the driving force of this story. Added to that mystery is the wonderfully written romance between Miranda and Archer. Who could not fall for the vulnerable, tortured Archer, or the bright and strong Miranda? If paranormal romance is your thing, then I can’t recommend to you enough that you should try this story.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Firelight lit my fire!!!

Firelight is now one of my favorites in the paranormal and historical romance genre. It was intriguing, Gothic, action packed full of mystery and murder. Image a dark version of Beauty & the Beast, toss in some Phantom of the Opera, and V for Vendetta that would touch the surface of Firelight. Needless to say I was sucked into the novel within the first few pages. The slow unraveling of Archer's story is amazing. It's second only to the phenomenal love story between him and Miranda. Sexual tension is taken to an entirely new level. I have never hungered for a single kiss between two characters as much as I did in this book. Every tiny piece of Archer that is unveiled was like a small victory. Every touch, every emotional connection between him and Miranda was a gift for my greedy eyes. And believe me, I felt greedy... for every crumb. I loved the fact that Miranda was a strong character who had a sharp tongue on her and was not fearful of anything. As for Lord Archer he is the ideal tortured hero I couldn't help but fall in love with his character. I also liked how the mystery around him unravels in bits and pieces. Then there was the romance between the two, all I have to say is that the two were perfect for each other both stubborn, passionate and with secrets that haunt them every day. Kristen Callihan, may be new in the book world, but her writing screams as if she has devoted a lifetime to writing stories. Her words, descriptions, and her style are unique. She also writes one heck of a lustful sex scene which is no easy task mind you. Overall this was an absolutely outstanding read. I couldn't put the book down. The two main characters really make the book; they are just very wonderful characters and the chemistry between them is incredibly well done.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fantastic!

First Impression: Amazing! Kristen Callihan’s debut novel is an exciting take on the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, complete with a kick-butt urban fantasy heroine. It blended my favorite genres of romance – paranormal, historical, Gothic, mystery & suspense.

What Really Worked: I was drawn in by the enthralling story, but the characters were equally fantastic. The sparks ignite between Miranda and Archer when they meet in a dark alley. He thinks she needs rescuing from a couple of street thugs, but Miranda can handle herself quite nicely, thank you very much! Miranda is blessed (or cursed) with a supernatural ability. She is a fire starter, something that has caused great grief for her family, so she does all she can to keep it secret. Archer has a secret of his own, one he keeps hidden underneath a mask. They go their separate ways that night, but Archer returns 3 years later to ask for her hand in marriage. Miranda’s father pressures her to accept. She resists at first, but there’s something about this strange man that compels her to marry him.

This was a well-crafted story with many layers. When a string of murders occur in London, fingers point to Archer as he is somehow connected to each victim. As the story progresses, more clues are revealed about Archer’s past and what lies beneath his mask. This book was a page-turner for sure!

I loved both main characters. Archer was the perfect tortured hero, strong (and intimidating) on the outside but emotionally vulnerable and lonely on the inside. And, of course, Miranda was the perfect heroine to save him. She was clever and tough, and very headstrong (to Archer’s chagrin). The dialogue between them was skillfully written. Their verbal sparing was very entertaining.

What Didn’t Work So Much: The only thing would be that I wanted to know more about the origins of Miranda’s unique “gift.”

Final Thoughts: Loved it! FIRELIGHT has reignited my love of the paranormal romance genre. (No pun intended.) Read it now…what are you waiting for?

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pleasant surprise

Firelight is a great read. Some parts of the story were slow to reveal, however, everything comes together nicely in the end. I loved the gritty characters in the slum, the fiery heroine, and the frosty lead. The story has great twists and is an awesome mixture of science fiction, mystery, and suspense. Also the teaser at the end leaves you wanting to dive into the next book in the series (Moonglow) which is expected to be released in August 2012.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Read... Will probably read again

Really enjoyed this book and will probably read it again when I get the next one!

I bought Ember & Firelight together. You really should read

I bought Ember & Firelight together. You really should read Ember first to get the back story on Miranda. I loved this story! They both have secrets that they keep from each other, but I was glad that they were finally able to reveal thier true selves to each other. This is a wonderful love story and I really recommend it!

Absolutely amazing! I loved the torment the two felt at their ow

Absolutely amazing! I loved the torment the two felt at their own secrets and how they felt compelled yet fearful of their feelings toward each other. I'm glad I read Ember first as I feel it helped me connect closer to Miranda and her past better to fully understand why she's so tormented. What a wonderful book- I hope Callihan comes out with more!

The only thing I can compare this book to is Beauty and the Beas

The only thing I can compare this book to is Beauty and the Beast...... on crack..... in a good way. Miranda is amazing; in a naive, yet jaded kind of way. She's a chick you can respect: sticks by her man no matter what. I loved their chemistry!! I did not think I would like this book as much as I did, and there's a sequel coming out soon! Can't wait! I would totally recommend this.

Fantastic****

Great new author, set upfor a series... love it!!!

Great premise, love Beauty/Beast themes but author "tells&q

Great premise, love Beauty/Beast themes but author "tells" the best parts to move the story along rather than show the reader what happens. I felt it really took the momentum from the story and I couldn't finish it. Shame.

Must read!

This book has mystery, romance, action...I finished this book in 3 hours! I found the storyline positively captivating and can't wait to read the sequel!

fantastic new series

Firelight is the thrilling and passionate debut novel from Kristen Callihan. The first book in her Darkest London series, Firelight is what would happen if a historical romance and paranormal mystery got together and had a book baby. An exciting, romantic, sensual and captivating (so many adjectives!) story that you won’t want to put down.

Set in Gothic London in the 1800s, Callihan does a great job of creating an atmospheric and mysterious setting for her story. Born with a gift of fire, Miranda has hidden her true self her entire life, afraid of what might happen if her secret is revealed or the devastation that could occur if she ever lost control of her power. Archer comes across Miranda in an alley one dark evening and witnesses her boldness in the face of danger. Taken by her beauty and strength, he vows to come back for her. When her returns to London years later, Archer makes Miranda’s father an offer he cannot refuse and she becomes his wife.

I fell in love with Archer and Miranda! They are both fantastically well drawn and complex characters. Both cursed in their own ways, they are forced to hide their true selves from society. However, they each find a counterpoint in the other, a person who understands them and accepts them for who they are. With Archer, Miranda’s power becomes her strength and she is able to see past Archer’s curse to the man inside.

Arch is perfect as the devilishly mysterious Duke. A cross between the perfect English gentleman and the marauding bandit, he’s charming but also moody and arrogant. There’s also an inherent sadness to him, brought on by years of isolation. I loved the vulnerable moments he had with Miranda. At first, Archer thinks he’ll be able to marry but also keep his wife at arm’s length. But Miranda is no wilting wallflower and won’t stand for a husband who keeps too many secrets. I loved how fearless and brave Miranda was. Even without her power, she is formidable fighter. With it, she’s a force of nature. Her red hair matches her fiery personality and she is also extremely loyal and clever.

The chemistry between Archer and Miranda was red hot! Their heated arguments and playful exchanges had me blushing and wanting more. But their connection is more than just a physical attraction and I loved watching them get to know each other and start to trust each other with their secrets. The weakest part of the book for me was the murder mystery/serial killer. I actually figured out who the killer was pretty early on, but I did like how everything ends up coming full circle.

It’s hard to categorize this book. Historical romance, suspense, fantasy, mystery - it’s all of those things and more. A truly original and surprising story, I fell in love with this world and the characters in it. This is one of my favorite reads so far this year. I am dying to read Book 2, Moonglow, which comes out in August. To tide myself over, I bought the short prequel to Firelight, Ember, available as an ebook. Do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy of Firelight NOW. You won’t be sorry. :)

WOW!

Just...WOW! Can't wait for Book 2!

Firelight is exceptional

Miranda a woman of little means, but who holds a deep fiery secret, finds herself at the interest of Lord Archer, a man hated by all who lays eyes on him. He is cursed far deeper than one could ever imagine and selfishly he pulls Miranda into his world knowing she could never love him – none of the women he loved ever did.


In the lusty action packed story of Firelight, you will find evil forces at play as the dark secrets unfold around you. Set in 1881 London where unexplained murders are happening at an alarming rate, Lord Archer quickly finds himself at the center of the investigations. This leaves the young Miranda to question his innocence, although deep down she’s certain he couldn’t truly be responsible for such atrocities. Or could he?


Firelight is exceptional. You’ll find yourself turning each page wanting, no, needing to have more and more of these two tantalizing characters. Be prepared to remain on the edge of your seat till the very last page. Will Miranda accept the demons Lord Archer has hidden, or will Miranda’s devastating secret send him packing? Does love really conquer all, or are the sacrifices of the heart made in vain? You’ll have to read the story to find out!


The story itself was a real page-turning-nail-biter. It was expertly written with intricate plot lines of love, conflict, betrayal and the paranormal at its center. I honestly couldn’t put it down all day, and I even managed to cook dinner as I was reading it though for fear of ruining the beautiful cover and crisp pages, I did finally put it down to eat!


The author, Kristen Callihan, may be new in the book world, but her writing screams as if she has devoted a lifetime to writing stories. Her words, descriptions, and her style are unparalled. She also writes one heck of a love scene which is no easy task mind you. I was pleased, no, honored to be able read and review this pre-release copy. I look forward to reading more of this talented authors work in the future.

Originally reviewed at: Mother/Gamer/Writer by Heather

Excellent new series!

Fell in love with both of the main characters. Very engaging and compelling storyline. Mystery kept me guessing until the end. Lovely romance, written very well. I look forward to the next book's release in August 2012.

Promising new author

A good paranormal historical romance. The author added a new aspect to the supernatural world that made this book uniquely interesting. Excited to read the next in the series.

Highly recommended reading this book!!!

I did not think I would like this book but I read it anyway.....WOW was I wrong this book was great start to finish. It reminded me of my favorite book a rose in winter with a paranormal twist. I can't wait for the authors next book.

Firelight is "HOT"

This is a great read! The characters are great, you have romance, paranormal happenings, and action and adventure! If you want to get lost, and ignore the real world...read this! Couldn't put it down. You can't help but fall in love with Archer, and Miranda! And you can't help rooting for them!

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