Scan barcode
desertlover's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 STARS
I was on the Overdrive waitlist for over six months, completely forgot the premise, so it was like going in blind. I enjoyed the world building, but felt there was so much going on, I never really connected to the individual characters. It has the potential to be an interesting series, so I will continue with the second installment.
I was on the Overdrive waitlist for over six months, completely forgot the premise, so it was like going in blind. I enjoyed the world building, but felt there was so much going on, I never really connected to the individual characters. It has the potential to be an interesting series, so I will continue with the second installment.
tangodiva's review against another edition
1.0
Almost a DNF, but I wanted to add to my goal of 52 books this year. Glad I got this for a low-price deal. But at the same time, I want that $2.00 back. I will never finish this series. Absolutely NO characterization, and way too long reveal what the hell was wrong with Archer (am I the only one who kept thinking of Lana screaming for Archer every time Miranda called his name? Just me? Okay).
Paranormal romance/fantasy is not for me.
Paranormal romance/fantasy is not for me.
acesarrows's review against another edition
4.0
A thoroughly enjoyable romp through the gaslight era of London, with magic, romance and mayhem.
dreaming_ace's review against another edition
3.0
I want to thank Kristen Callihan and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the copy of Firelight.
This novel is really two stories and I will comment on each individually.
First is the mystery in the story. Over all I enjoyed this and while it took a while to get started I enjoyed where it ended up. It is always interesting when the women gets to save the man and not the other way around. I have to say I was a bit disappointed that while the story was set in London the story did not take advantage of that fact. I felt that the story could have been set in any city and it would not have made any difference.
Second was the "Romance" part. I personally found this very heavy handed to the point I kept laughing out load (which is not the intended result) While a certain amount of proof that the characters loved each other was important to the plot I would say at least 1/2 if not more of the book was the two main characters being all I love you and we are married but we can't actually sleep with each other so lets hover really close together and even spend time touching and get upset we are not sleeping with each other.
Overall it was a fun read but I found the "Romance/UST" to over whelm the story, especially based on the summary on the back which implied it would play a minor role. So if you are prepared to wade though some boring bits and bits you want to just tell the characters grow up already it is an enjoyable read.
This novel is really two stories and I will comment on each individually.
First is the mystery in the story. Over all I enjoyed this and while it took a while to get started I enjoyed where it ended up. It is always interesting when the women gets to save the man and not the other way around. I have to say I was a bit disappointed that while the story was set in London the story did not take advantage of that fact. I felt that the story could have been set in any city and it would not have made any difference.
Second was the "Romance" part. I personally found this very heavy handed to the point I kept laughing out load (which is not the intended result) While a certain amount of proof that the characters loved each other was important to the plot I would say at least 1/2 if not more of the book was the two main characters being all I love you and we are married but we can't actually sleep with each other so lets hover really close together and even spend time touching and get upset we are not sleeping with each other.
Overall it was a fun read but I found the "Romance/UST" to over whelm the story, especially based on the summary on the back which implied it would play a minor role. So if you are prepared to wade though some boring bits and bits you want to just tell the characters grow up already it is an enjoyable read.
kathydavie's review against another edition
3.0
First in the Darkest London paranormal romance series based in late nineteenth century London. The couple focus is on the Dread Lord Archer and Miranda Ellis.
My Take
Give. Me. A. Break. The "Dread" Lord Archer??
Firelight is a mixture of Beauty and the Beast with a heavy dose of Bluebeard. I do like how Callihan teases us with the mystery of why Archer was banished from England and there do seem to be a multitude of reasons. Layers on layers of them which lead us down various and sundry paths before she explodes several truths in our faces.
I agree with Archer. Rossberry has been freed, but all his old friends believe that Archer should have remained in exile?? Even as they enjoy their lives and families? Oh, I do like Miranda's character, her honesty.
Hmmmm, loose thread with Martin. All those years and he says that to her on their wedding day??
On the whole, Callihan does well with painting the London and its society of the 1880s, although, I can't really forgive the satin. In the daytime??
The Story
Only by the grace of young Pan does Hector Ellis survive. At least until Archer claims his last treasure. It's his decency, his consideration, that moves Miranda. What decides her is the adventure this opportunity offers.
The days—and nights—pass and still Miranda has not experienced what she expects while Archer intrigues her more and more each day. His kindness, his consideration, his loneliness pull at her. His integrity shines and she wants desperately to help prove his innocence.
Miranda calls on all her resources—her sisters, Billy. Then her life is threatened. Again and again. And that, Archer will not tolerate. Having found the message Daoud sent, Archer enrolls Leland in deciphering it. Desperate to save Miranda and his own soul.
The Characters
The Dread Lord Benjamin Archer is the fifth Baron Archer of Umberslade and he terrifies most of London. His immense riches do not make up for the mask few in living memory have ever seen him without. Events in his distant past have caused him to train as a surgeon. Eula is Archer's housekeeper and she doesn't much like Miranda. Gilroy is his butler. Daoud was his valet. Trusted. He found the cure and sent it, but it was lost along the way.
Miranda Ellis, a.k.a., the sword-fighting Pan, wields the power of fire. And was a little too curious as a child. Her oldest sister Poppy operates a bookstore she and her husband Winston purchased with the dowry Hector gave her; now, Winston is Inspector Lane of the Criminal Investigation Division and is in charge of the murder that starts this story. Daisy is the middle sister. She was the sacrifice to a marriage with Mr. Cyril "Craggy" Craigmore, a Member of Parliament. Hector Ellis is a merchant who will sell or steal anything, anyone.
Old friends of Archer's who were also members of the West Moon Club include Sir Percival Andrew; Maurus Lea, the Earl of Leland; Lords Marcus Cheltenhan and Merryweather; and, Alasdair Ranulf, the Earl of Rossberry, and his son Ian, Viscount McKinnon, who wants Miranda.
Victoria Archer Allernon introduces herself as Archer's third cousin. Just one of many lies and hurts she inflicts. Lord Marvel was having an affair with Victoria until Archer stopped it.
Billy Finger almost raped Miranda three years ago, but taught her the trade. Black Tom runs the Dial and forces Miranda's secret. Dover Rye was Ellis' captain. A thieving pirate. Tucker is his son.
The West Moon Club is an organization whose members were scholars experimenting with science and medicine, looking for a way to cure men of disease, enhance them, end death itself. What happened to Archer, caused its members to flee.
The Cover
The cover is London ablaze in flames, Big Ben in the background, and a tightly corseted Miranda in a tea-length gown, her own red hair a flame and swirling in the fire's draft. There's calculation in her eyes and she looks quite t'home amidst the Firelight.
My Take
Give. Me. A. Break. The "Dread" Lord Archer??
Firelight is a mixture of Beauty and the Beast with a heavy dose of Bluebeard. I do like how Callihan teases us with the mystery of why Archer was banished from England and there do seem to be a multitude of reasons. Layers on layers of them which lead us down various and sundry paths before she explodes several truths in our faces.
I agree with Archer. Rossberry has been freed, but all his old friends believe that Archer should have remained in exile?? Even as they enjoy their lives and families? Oh, I do like Miranda's character, her honesty.
Hmmmm, loose thread with Martin. All those years and he says that to her on their wedding day??
On the whole, Callihan does well with painting the London and its society of the 1880s, although, I can't really forgive the satin. In the daytime??
The Story
Only by the grace of young Pan does Hector Ellis survive. At least until Archer claims his last treasure. It's his decency, his consideration, that moves Miranda. What decides her is the adventure this opportunity offers.
The days—and nights—pass and still Miranda has not experienced what she expects while Archer intrigues her more and more each day. His kindness, his consideration, his loneliness pull at her. His integrity shines and she wants desperately to help prove his innocence.
Miranda calls on all her resources—her sisters, Billy. Then her life is threatened. Again and again. And that, Archer will not tolerate. Having found the message Daoud sent, Archer enrolls Leland in deciphering it. Desperate to save Miranda and his own soul.
The Characters
The Dread Lord Benjamin Archer is the fifth Baron Archer of Umberslade and he terrifies most of London. His immense riches do not make up for the mask few in living memory have ever seen him without. Events in his distant past have caused him to train as a surgeon. Eula is Archer's housekeeper and she doesn't much like Miranda. Gilroy is his butler. Daoud was his valet. Trusted. He found the cure and sent it, but it was lost along the way.
Miranda Ellis, a.k.a., the sword-fighting Pan, wields the power of fire. And was a little too curious as a child. Her oldest sister Poppy operates a bookstore she and her husband Winston purchased with the dowry Hector gave her; now, Winston is Inspector Lane of the Criminal Investigation Division and is in charge of the murder that starts this story. Daisy is the middle sister. She was the sacrifice to a marriage with Mr. Cyril "Craggy" Craigmore, a Member of Parliament. Hector Ellis is a merchant who will sell or steal anything, anyone.
Old friends of Archer's who were also members of the West Moon Club include Sir Percival Andrew; Maurus Lea, the Earl of Leland; Lords Marcus Cheltenhan and Merryweather; and, Alasdair Ranulf, the Earl of Rossberry, and his son Ian, Viscount McKinnon, who wants Miranda.
Victoria Archer Allernon introduces herself as Archer's third cousin. Just one of many lies and hurts she inflicts. Lord Marvel was having an affair with Victoria until Archer stopped it.
Billy Finger almost raped Miranda three years ago, but taught her the trade. Black Tom runs the Dial and forces Miranda's secret. Dover Rye was Ellis' captain. A thieving pirate. Tucker is his son.
The West Moon Club is an organization whose members were scholars experimenting with science and medicine, looking for a way to cure men of disease, enhance them, end death itself. What happened to Archer, caused its members to flee.
The Cover
The cover is London ablaze in flames, Big Ben in the background, and a tightly corseted Miranda in a tea-length gown, her own red hair a flame and swirling in the fire's draft. There's calculation in her eyes and she looks quite t'home amidst the Firelight.
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
Oh I love the Beauty and the Beast Tale ! The author takes the well told story and whips into her own vision, beautifully. Miranda the strong women and the Super sexy Archer who hides behind his mystery.
Archer has decided that Miranda is the one for him. He will marry her ! She accepts the proposal, grudgingly. Not out of love but obligation. He is framed for murders that he did not commit. She believes him, but his secrets soon drag her into more troubles.
Both are hiding things, both believing it for the best. Secrets have a way of reveling themselves in terrible ways with harsh outcomes.
I loved the world building and scenery developed through the story and look forward to more from this author in the future.
Archer has decided that Miranda is the one for him. He will marry her ! She accepts the proposal, grudgingly. Not out of love but obligation. He is framed for murders that he did not commit. She believes him, but his secrets soon drag her into more troubles.
Both are hiding things, both believing it for the best. Secrets have a way of reveling themselves in terrible ways with harsh outcomes.
I loved the world building and scenery developed through the story and look forward to more from this author in the future.
daliac87's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
newlillith's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0