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magencorrie's review
4.0
4 stars
My Review:
I’ve been meaning to read The Secret Fire for quite a while now, but actually forgotten that I had an ARC of it. I’m so glad I remembered I had this one because it was a really good read.
The setting is what made me truly love this book (other than the very interesting and unique plot elements). Daugherty, who is from England, and Rozenfeld, who is from France, really integrated their own unique culture within the book. I loved that. I loved feeling and experiencing another country. The scenery felt vivid and very much real. Though the formatting is a bit different.
The book opened suspenseful and intriguingly. Pulling me in and capturing my full attention. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. First I met Sacha, a young man from France with a very unique ability. He can’t die. Literally. He can survive being shot in the head, a jump from a five story building, and being stabbed. It is, however, a very dark ability. And I felt Sacha expressed that quite well. His life is governed by something beyond his control. The way he acted and the way he viewed things really put into perspective just how sad his situation is. I couldn’t help but feel for him. The mystery of why he can’t die really pulled me in. I wanted to uncover that secret and be there as he unraveled even more secrets.
Taylor is the complete opposite of Sacha, a girl from England whose life has been extremely normal. She’s the sun to Sacha’s moon. Light to his dark. But her life slowly and then sudden intertwines with his. They then both uncover secrets that connect them in way that goes beyond anything they could imagine.
Taylor is sweet and shy were as Sacha is more reckless and prickly. I enjoyed their different personalities, but loved how they connected. Getting their own perspectives also helped in understanding their characters. I loved seeing from their own eyes. Their relationship does evolve at a quick pace, but I truly felt their connection and then their growing emotions for each other. Their first meeting was so sweet, I couldn’t help but smile at the way they were.
The book has an underling, gripping and dark atmosphere filled with ancient curses, magic, and forces that are beyond this world. I couldn’t get enough of that. I loved how Sacha and Taylor were connected and the mysteries that surrounded them. I felt things did develop well, though the middle did feel like it dragged a bit. Other than that, the pacing through the rest of the book flowed nicely. The setting was very rich and the details of both England and France well written. Though there wasn’t a lot of character growth, the growth that was seen in Sacha and Taylor was developed well and I can’t wait to see their continued growth.
The Secret Fire was a uniquely dark, interesting, and wonderful read. The ending left me satisfied but also wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book.
My Review:
I’ve been meaning to read The Secret Fire for quite a while now, but actually forgotten that I had an ARC of it. I’m so glad I remembered I had this one because it was a really good read.
The setting is what made me truly love this book (other than the very interesting and unique plot elements). Daugherty, who is from England, and Rozenfeld, who is from France, really integrated their own unique culture within the book. I loved that. I loved feeling and experiencing another country. The scenery felt vivid and very much real. Though the formatting is a bit different.
The book opened suspenseful and intriguingly. Pulling me in and capturing my full attention. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. First I met Sacha, a young man from France with a very unique ability. He can’t die. Literally. He can survive being shot in the head, a jump from a five story building, and being stabbed. It is, however, a very dark ability. And I felt Sacha expressed that quite well. His life is governed by something beyond his control. The way he acted and the way he viewed things really put into perspective just how sad his situation is. I couldn’t help but feel for him. The mystery of why he can’t die really pulled me in. I wanted to uncover that secret and be there as he unraveled even more secrets.
Taylor is the complete opposite of Sacha, a girl from England whose life has been extremely normal. She’s the sun to Sacha’s moon. Light to his dark. But her life slowly and then sudden intertwines with his. They then both uncover secrets that connect them in way that goes beyond anything they could imagine.
Taylor is sweet and shy were as Sacha is more reckless and prickly. I enjoyed their different personalities, but loved how they connected. Getting their own perspectives also helped in understanding their characters. I loved seeing from their own eyes. Their relationship does evolve at a quick pace, but I truly felt their connection and then their growing emotions for each other. Their first meeting was so sweet, I couldn’t help but smile at the way they were.
The book has an underling, gripping and dark atmosphere filled with ancient curses, magic, and forces that are beyond this world. I couldn’t get enough of that. I loved how Sacha and Taylor were connected and the mysteries that surrounded them. I felt things did develop well, though the middle did feel like it dragged a bit. Other than that, the pacing through the rest of the book flowed nicely. The setting was very rich and the details of both England and France well written. Though there wasn’t a lot of character growth, the growth that was seen in Sacha and Taylor was developed well and I can’t wait to see their continued growth.
The Secret Fire was a uniquely dark, interesting, and wonderful read. The ending left me satisfied but also wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
5.0
The Secret Fire by C.J. Daugherty and Carina Rozenfeld is the first book in the new The Alchemist Chronicles. Sacha Winters is seventeen years old living in Paris, France (lucky kid). He has started doing dangerous stunts, skipping school, and, basically, doing what he wants. But then that might have to do with the curse. He is the first son on his father and he will die on his eighteenth birthday. Until then he cannot die (his body heals). Sacha’s father died trying to find a way to stop his son from dying. Sacha’s mother seems resigned to the fact.
Taylor Montclair is seventeen and living in Woodbury, England. She wants to go to Oxford to be an archaeologist. She devotes a majority of her time to studying. Her French teacher, Mr. Finlay asks her to tutor Sacha on English. Taylor really does not have time in her schedule, but her teacher insists. They connect and discover that Sacha really does not need to be tutored in English (he is being pressured by his English teacher when he does go to school), but they both decide to continue to meet online. Taylor has been getting horrible migraines recently and they are getting worse. Then one night her friend, Georgie insists that Taylor go on a double date. They go to an American style 50’s diner. The music is loud and is making Taylor’s head really hurt, when she cannot take it any longer she says stop. The sound system in the diner blows up. How did that happen? After a few strange events, something really big happens. That’s when Taylor finds out that she is special.
Taylor talks with Sacha and they figure there has to be a reason they were thrown together. Can Taylor help Sacha? But someone does not want Sacha finding the answers he needs. Actually, someone is after Taylor as well. What is going on? These two need answers (and only a few weeks until Sacha’s eighteenth birthday) and they have to stay alive to get the results (and ahead of their enemy). Will they succeed?
I found The Secret Fire riveting. I sat down and read the book straight through to the end. C.J. Daugherty is a great writer. She pulls in the reader and keeps them engrossed until the very last page. I liked this unique story with interesting characters. I especially liked that the book is set in England and France (instead of America). The Secret Fire is fast paced and well written. I give The Secret Fire 5 out of 5 stars. There was just one (maybe two) little things I did not like. One is that the book ends with a cliffhanger. The second issue is we have to wait for the next book (so frustrating). The Secret Fire is a young adult novel, but I am an adult who really enjoyed reading it (as you can tell).
I received a complimentary copy of The Secret Fire from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-secret-fire.html
Taylor Montclair is seventeen and living in Woodbury, England. She wants to go to Oxford to be an archaeologist. She devotes a majority of her time to studying. Her French teacher, Mr. Finlay asks her to tutor Sacha on English. Taylor really does not have time in her schedule, but her teacher insists. They connect and discover that Sacha really does not need to be tutored in English (he is being pressured by his English teacher when he does go to school), but they both decide to continue to meet online. Taylor has been getting horrible migraines recently and they are getting worse. Then one night her friend, Georgie insists that Taylor go on a double date. They go to an American style 50’s diner. The music is loud and is making Taylor’s head really hurt, when she cannot take it any longer she says stop. The sound system in the diner blows up. How did that happen? After a few strange events, something really big happens. That’s when Taylor finds out that she is special.
Taylor talks with Sacha and they figure there has to be a reason they were thrown together. Can Taylor help Sacha? But someone does not want Sacha finding the answers he needs. Actually, someone is after Taylor as well. What is going on? These two need answers (and only a few weeks until Sacha’s eighteenth birthday) and they have to stay alive to get the results (and ahead of their enemy). Will they succeed?
I found The Secret Fire riveting. I sat down and read the book straight through to the end. C.J. Daugherty is a great writer. She pulls in the reader and keeps them engrossed until the very last page. I liked this unique story with interesting characters. I especially liked that the book is set in England and France (instead of America). The Secret Fire is fast paced and well written. I give The Secret Fire 5 out of 5 stars. There was just one (maybe two) little things I did not like. One is that the book ends with a cliffhanger. The second issue is we have to wait for the next book (so frustrating). The Secret Fire is a young adult novel, but I am an adult who really enjoyed reading it (as you can tell).
I received a complimentary copy of The Secret Fire from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-secret-fire.html
jovanas_cloud's review
5.0
Main characters: Taylor Montclair and Sacha Winters(L'hiver)
I really liked the story and the characters but it just felt like deja vu. C.J. wrote her part using the same elements like in Night School. The main characters are special for some kind of reason, the girl got in some kind of secret society where they later find out that someone is a mole and is actually trying to ruin them...
I just hope that this book is going to be as good or even better than Night School.
I really liked the story and the characters but it just felt like deja vu. C.J. wrote her part using the same elements like in Night School. The main characters are special for some kind of reason, the girl got in some kind of secret society where they later find out that someone is a mole and is actually trying to ruin them...
I just hope that this book is going to be as good or even better than Night School.
marieintheraw's review
4.0
This was an interesting start to a new series. There is a magical element with historical and scientific references to it. This book is told from multiple perspectives. I found the main character Sacha to be more interesting than Taylor. Unfortunately, this book falls to the many stereotypical YA tropes that are found nowadays. The story is very easy to follow and I'm looking forward to seeing where it's headed.
I received an e-copy of this through Net-Galley for an honest review
I received an e-copy of this through Net-Galley for an honest review
stankovic1402's review
5.0
I NEED THE SECOND BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!! Everything in this book was amazing - the characters,the storyline, the writing and this new secret world. I like how Casey combined the real world white this new and mysterious world of alchemy. I just loved this book!!!! ❤❤❤❤
michalice's review
4.0
When I first heard about The Secret Fire I knew it was something I wanted to read, but going into this book I had no expectations of what to expect. Although I do own some of C.J. Daugherty's books, I have yet to read them, so I had no idea what her writing style was like. When I began reading The Secret Fire I initially flitted between reading this one, and another one. It wasn't until I actually sat down to read that I really got into The Secret Fire.
The Secret Fire is a book that starts out with a bang, and we quickly get to meet our two protagonists, Sacha and Taylor. Sacha is a unique character, cursed to die on his upcoming birthday, he can not die any other time. He pushes himself to the limit, jumping off high buildings to make money, taking stupid risks to push himself to the limit, but each death comes with it's own problems. It hurts to heal, and each death leaves it's own scar for his ordeal. Taylor is slow to learn of her abilities, they begin to manifest with her meeting of Sacha, and as this duo untangle the threads of secrets and history, they attempt to learn how they can save Sacha's life.
The Secret Fire was a book that had so many twists and turns I never knew what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the pacing of the story, it gave us enough time to get to know the characters and see what was special about them. We see these alchemical events as they happen, and try to piece it all together as they do. The Secret Fire drew me in with its magic, its mystery, and the mostly unanswered question of what was going on. I loved the idea of bringing alchemy into the story, and having the dangerous Bringers hovering in the background, their dangerous presence felt by all.
The Secret Fire was my first foray into C.J's writing, and after finishing this I can't wait to jump into the books I have on my shelves as soon as time allows.
Final Verdict
The Secret Fire was a really enjoyable read and after the ending that we are left with I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
The Secret Fire is a book that starts out with a bang, and we quickly get to meet our two protagonists, Sacha and Taylor. Sacha is a unique character, cursed to die on his upcoming birthday, he can not die any other time. He pushes himself to the limit, jumping off high buildings to make money, taking stupid risks to push himself to the limit, but each death comes with it's own problems. It hurts to heal, and each death leaves it's own scar for his ordeal. Taylor is slow to learn of her abilities, they begin to manifest with her meeting of Sacha, and as this duo untangle the threads of secrets and history, they attempt to learn how they can save Sacha's life.
The Secret Fire was a book that had so many twists and turns I never knew what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the pacing of the story, it gave us enough time to get to know the characters and see what was special about them. We see these alchemical events as they happen, and try to piece it all together as they do. The Secret Fire drew me in with its magic, its mystery, and the mostly unanswered question of what was going on. I loved the idea of bringing alchemy into the story, and having the dangerous Bringers hovering in the background, their dangerous presence felt by all.
The Secret Fire was my first foray into C.J's writing, and after finishing this I can't wait to jump into the books I have on my shelves as soon as time allows.
Final Verdict
The Secret Fire was a really enjoyable read and after the ending that we are left with I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
theowlerybooks's review
3.0
This fantasy was very middle of the road for me. The two main characters meshed together so very well. The love aspect happened a bit to quick for me but it seemed natural so I didn't notice much. The reasoning behind the main problem in the story made absolutely no sense to me this will be a series so maybe more will be explained in the next book but the "curse" that accompanies the two MC's was only half way explained which left a big plot hole. For someone who reads so much YA Fantasy this just didn't stand out all that much it wasn't bad but it definitely was not great!
talya_'s review
Wow. Before reading, I honestly thought this book might be good.
It wasn't.
The writing was unbearably simple and entirely dull. I'm a firm believer that fantasy books should be well written and have exceptional world building. This book has neither. As if that isn't bad enough, we have the two most cliche main characters ever. Our female MC is your typical goody-goody perfect student who's obsessed with her grades. She also happens to he incredibly pretty, though she doesn't think so, and has crazy curly hair that she dislikes because apparently blondes are only supposed to have straight hair. Really?
The male MC is dull and "dangerous" and his personality seems to flip around like the author couldn't make up her mind. I honestly can't even bear to go on anymore. DNF.
It wasn't.
The writing was unbearably simple and entirely dull. I'm a firm believer that fantasy books should be well written and have exceptional world building. This book has neither. As if that isn't bad enough, we have the two most cliche main characters ever. Our female MC is your typical goody-goody perfect student who's obsessed with her grades. She also happens to he incredibly pretty, though she doesn't think so, and has crazy curly hair that she dislikes because apparently blondes are only supposed to have straight hair. Really?
The male MC is dull and "dangerous" and his personality seems to flip around like the author couldn't make up her mind. I honestly can't even bear to go on anymore. DNF.
pewterwolf's review
4.0
Nearly 4.5 stars. More addictive than CJ's Night School series.
Review Taken from The Pewter Wolf
Taylor is a girl from England. Sacha is the boy from Paris. They have nothing in common nor do they know each other. Until Taylor's French teacher and Sacha's English teacher force them together for online tutoring. But there's more to it than that. Both Taylor's and Sacha's fates are entwined by a curse. A curse that must be lifted before Sacha's next birthday - which is in around eight weeks time.
But first, they have to meet...
Ok, I am going to say this now. I really liked the Night School series. But this is better.
I sense that the legion of Night School fans are marching to my house with pitchforks and lit torches. But hear me out.
I like slow burning thrillers. Night School slowly burned with foreshadowing and twists. The Secret Fire, on the other hand, grabs you by the neck and you have to run with it. There is no time to foreshadowing in this book. And because of this pacing (because of the short timeframe of the curse and the fact this is a duology), you find yourself speeding through the pages. I read a few pages on and off for a few days, before I sat down and read this book for a few hours. I found, within three hours, I had read nearly three quarters of the book. This is rare that I speed through a book, so the fact I did is always a good thing.
I like the fact that we have an English author and a French author writing this series together. While the story is in English, there is a feel that both CJ and Carina know what they are doing and what they are talking about.
If I had to pick one fault, it's the fact I wish we go some more background on some characters, which I sense is going to be quite important in the next book. For example, while I'm not the biggest fan of Louisa, but we got (what I felt was) very little info on her and I think she's going to be huge in book 2.
But I had such a fun addictive time reading this. Can't wait for book 2!
Review Taken from The Pewter Wolf
Taylor is a girl from England. Sacha is the boy from Paris. They have nothing in common nor do they know each other. Until Taylor's French teacher and Sacha's English teacher force them together for online tutoring. But there's more to it than that. Both Taylor's and Sacha's fates are entwined by a curse. A curse that must be lifted before Sacha's next birthday - which is in around eight weeks time.
But first, they have to meet...
Ok, I am going to say this now. I really liked the Night School series. But this is better.
I sense that the legion of Night School fans are marching to my house with pitchforks and lit torches. But hear me out.
I like slow burning thrillers. Night School slowly burned with foreshadowing and twists. The Secret Fire, on the other hand, grabs you by the neck and you have to run with it. There is no time to foreshadowing in this book. And because of this pacing (because of the short timeframe of the curse and the fact this is a duology), you find yourself speeding through the pages. I read a few pages on and off for a few days, before I sat down and read this book for a few hours. I found, within three hours, I had read nearly three quarters of the book. This is rare that I speed through a book, so the fact I did is always a good thing.
I like the fact that we have an English author and a French author writing this series together. While the story is in English, there is a feel that both CJ and Carina know what they are doing and what they are talking about.
If I had to pick one fault, it's the fact I wish we go some more background on some characters, which I sense is going to be quite important in the next book. For example, while I'm not the biggest fan of Louisa, but we got (what I felt was) very little info on her and I think she's going to be huge in book 2.
But I had such a fun addictive time reading this. Can't wait for book 2!