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the_lectorem's Reviews (35)
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I recently finished this third book in the "Born of Fire" series by Dreagen and compared the first two books, this one takes a different route with its storytelling and theme. The first two books were more light-hearted, joyful at times even sometimes getting intense and had a sense of adventure. While this book has a serious tonality with a horror element added to the setting.
The author creates a bone-chilling gothic atmosphere with eerie scenes that had me on the edge. Our Dragon Slayers, The six AmaRanthines are faced with an unstoppable threat to the world that destroys everything that comes in front of it. If you have watched the final episodes of 'Attack on Titan', the tension and helplessness are similar to that. That spooky element I mentioned was limited until the revelation of the titan beast.
However, the highlight of this book was Elicia, the phantom, living in Rex's mind and the significance she received. They learn the disturbing past of the DraGons, the origins of TyRanx and how the past was still tied to the heroes in their present. I missed the intense action and chemistry of our heroes that I read in the previous books. This book heavily relies on its revelations of the past and Rex and DiNiya's confrontation with the darkest part of themselves.
The dark and horror theme was good but somewhere it affected how I related to our main characters. I felt disconnected. The most interesting aspect of this book was the alliance between our heroes and the DraGons. I could feel the changes in DayKar and LemaRes and I wonder how things will turn out in the next book between our Heroes and AmaRanthines; if they find peace between them or keep fighting against each other, only time will tell. After seeing the character development of DayKar am rooting for him and I hope he will change the course of the future.
So overall, it was an average 3/5đ read for me. I hope in the next book of this series, the author brings back the core elements that I loved in the first two books.
The author creates a bone-chilling gothic atmosphere with eerie scenes that had me on the edge. Our Dragon Slayers, The six AmaRanthines are faced with an unstoppable threat to the world that destroys everything that comes in front of it. If you have watched the final episodes of 'Attack on Titan', the tension and helplessness are similar to that. That spooky element I mentioned was limited until the revelation of the titan beast.
However, the highlight of this book was Elicia, the phantom, living in Rex's mind and the significance she received. They learn the disturbing past of the DraGons, the origins of TyRanx and how the past was still tied to the heroes in their present. I missed the intense action and chemistry of our heroes that I read in the previous books. This book heavily relies on its revelations of the past and Rex and DiNiya's confrontation with the darkest part of themselves.
The dark and horror theme was good but somewhere it affected how I related to our main characters. I felt disconnected. The most interesting aspect of this book was the alliance between our heroes and the DraGons. I could feel the changes in DayKar and LemaRes and I wonder how things will turn out in the next book between our Heroes and AmaRanthines; if they find peace between them or keep fighting against each other, only time will tell. After seeing the character development of DayKar am rooting for him and I hope he will change the course of the future.
So overall, it was an average 3/5đ read for me. I hope in the next book of this series, the author brings back the core elements that I loved in the first two books.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My personal belief is that the sequel books carry a huge burden to meet/cross the bar that has been set in the first book. I recently read the first book of this series âBorn of Fire: Dawn of Legendâ and when I picked this second book, I had my expectations under control and doubts in a corner of my mind. With that, I surrendered myself to this book and leapt into the wondrous world of epic fantasy. As a sequel, it certainly surpassed the first book.
Once again, I experienced a transcendent journey that took me to another world and provided me with that impressive experience I crave. This time, the story was set in Grand Heights where heroes have come to attend the Alpha trials ceremony where they are presented as the AmaRanthine heroes. At that instance, they realised they aren't prone to the pressure and expectations that come with being someone others look up to with hope. âWith great power comes great responsibilityâ indeed becomes true for them.
Among all other reasons, if I have to pin down just one aspect that I loved the most about this book then that would be its characterization. In the first book, I became familiar with all the characters but with this book, I would say, the author polished the characters and gave them some extra glimmer.
Our six Dragon Slayers "The AmaRanthines" have bonded even more strongly with each other and some developed more than a chemistry between them. I didn't expect LyCora to break her hard exterior, or AnaSaya for that matter, to have some dark side behind her jolly behaviour. There is one instance when we see the true potential of AnaSaya when she loses control over her power and the devastating damage that forms as an aftermath.
We learn the origin of ShinGaru and the tragic reason behind the extinction of his face. I found that satirical because even in this fantasy world, the author shows the blind faith of the DraGons and how they believed that they had the right to everything that's been created by their 'deity' the Nova Queen.
While talking about DraGons, one of the highlighted parts I enjoyed the most was the emphasis on the characters of VorTak and PeroDay. The authors don't keep the antagonists on their side and use them only to spread destruction but a good amount of effort has been put on them to be hated and loved by the readers.
VorTak and PeroDay's characters have been given more time and development to learn more about them and where they come from. VorTak is a coward, always used to be in the shadow of her now-dead dragon sister LamaRes. He doesn't have the hunger for power but is afraid of it and one reason why he doesn't wish PeroDay to die or be killed is so he can avoid the responsibility. PeroDay on the other hand is hungry for power and being the brother of Grand Marshal DayKar he expects to be one to take his place, merciless and brutal are the synonyms that go hand in hand for him.
While the previous book mostly revolved around Rex and AmaRanthines, this second book explored the bond of BaRone, NyRo, VyKia, TarFor, and VayRonx who were given a significant part to play the story. Not just them but other new characters like ZarMor, KoSov, NyEssa, NeRissa, RoGan, SaRa, TorMarr and DayDrose have been introduced and the execution of their characters was as seamless as others.
This book was fast-paced compared to the last and the primary focus was on the events of the Alpha trials. I felt it was a bit slow for a portion when our heroes entered the trials cavern which was again, compensated by the drastic twists and turns that followed after that. To avoid spoilersâ some "certain revelations" of that "suspicious character" took me off guard. Yes, I had my doubts and even started making theories but the result was mind-boggling. Sometimes the ghosts of the past cannot remain dead and come haunting us at the times we least expect.
The battle scenes were intense with high-octane action and the storytelling was as smooth as it comes. The wrath of the Rex was terrifying again and almost bone-chilling. Sometimes the way he acts or shows rage makes me wonder if he may turn into a danger that the world needs to fear. There's a dark sense around them when the beast takes over him. There's one quote from the book for him that can probably help me convey that feeling:
âThe realm beyond even anger, where his mind was reduced to a singular force of will. Beyond reach, beyond hope. This was the monster that lurked within. The beast that stalked the shadows of his mind, the cypher in his head, driven by a thirst for blood that would never be quenched and what would drive his flame to consume all that it touched, leaving nothing but ash in its wake before ultimately claiming him as its final victim.â
Overall, it was a satisfying read with its compelling storyline and absorbing plot. For someone like me who finds comfort in reading crime/action thrillers, reading book series like 'Born of Fire' makes me believe that Fantasy fiction is something I can read and explore more if the authors have strong hold on storytelling and character development.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When it comes to reading, nothing makes me more happy than those books that provide a surreal immersive experience where, as a reader, I feel detached from the physical world and transported into a whole new different world and become part of it while my eyes scan the words, neurons fire in my brain and based on everything I have ever watched and saw in life, create a vivid cinematic picture. âBorn of Fire: The Dawn of Legendâ by Dreagen was one such reading experience for me.
Right from the very first chapter it starts with an intense hook and sets the base of the story that revolves around our Protagonist Rex and how he finds himself as a misfit and always bullied by others just because of the differences he carried with him. His father Philippe was the only person in that world who understood him and felt anchored. The father-son bond was presented so well that we feel sad and helpless for Rex but feel happy to know his father is always there for him. In those initial chapters, the way the author provides an outline of the Rex, his inner turmoil and the rage that he was holding back in fear that made me frightened of Rex. That made me wonder, how much a person can hold back himself until he can no more and the consequences it may bring upon those who stand in front of him.
I read this book as a live-action series through the eye of my mind but with my subjective experience, the way it's written felt more like an Anime; I will explain why!
After an action packed yet tragic incident, Rex finds himself in another world called EeNara with limited memories of his past where he is met with DiNiya, LyCora, EeNox, ShinGaru and AnaSaya. I enjoyed reading the fact that the author has provided each of our characters a distinct personality and a fun group dynamics. I found the story fast and moving until that incident, but it becomes slow right after the arrival of Rex in EeNara and until the second half of the book because between all that time the story is progressed like the story arcs or mix Canon/fillers in the anime where the book takes its time in that period to set our charactersâ bonds and their chemistry with one another, their past and what makes them what they truly are. (While reading that slow part, I came to a mindful realization that I will write in a separate post).
The core element of this book is the concept of different flames that EeNara's inhabitants possessed like Red, Green, Blue, Gold, and Lavender. Each flame has its distinct qualities and the power it provides to the wielder. The SaVorians and DyVorians, respectively Humans and Dinosaurs of EeNara live in harmony until one day their darkest fears are awakened in the form of DraGons.
If someone who loves reading hardcore fantasy where the imagination is stretched to its limits will certainly love this book because it has the protagonists who possess the strongest powers in the world and can transform into the fierce dinosaurs, the adrenaline filled battle and actions scenes between DraGons and DyVorians, smooth and clever writing and hold of an author on its character, even the DraGons. I am saying this because even the antagonists like DayKar and LamaRes were written so brilliantly. Even though I hated DayKar for his actions but still, I felt sorry for him the way his background was provided and the love he felt for LemaRes.
All that build up in the first half is paid in abundance in the second half where all we get is extreme action, brutal fights, the helplessness it brings in certain parts where I wondered how the character will tackle it. Wild ride is what we can call this reading experience. I am finding it helpless to weave in words what it actually felt like in its very essence; the blood, the growls, massive jaws of beasts and the fleshes it tore apart, the ablaze sky when the DraGons rained the fire, the thud, and thumps of the Dinosaurs and DraGons whenever they collided in each other, the flames that flew out of them and also, the laughs, taunts, fights, and sarcasm in the characters that make them lovable to the reader. There's so much that I experienced but won't be able to put in words.
The authorâs work is must commendable for the absorbing storyline, in-depth detailing, creating an immersive world, and characterization so good that some characters make a permanent place in your heart and mind. It had the element of mystery and suspense as well that kept me pondering upon those unanswered questions and the revelation was indeed satisfying to read. It could have been my 5 â read for me but settled for 4â/5 because the build up time it takes in the first half that surely requires some patience.
Right from the very first chapter it starts with an intense hook and sets the base of the story that revolves around our Protagonist Rex and how he finds himself as a misfit and always bullied by others just because of the differences he carried with him. His father Philippe was the only person in that world who understood him and felt anchored. The father-son bond was presented so well that we feel sad and helpless for Rex but feel happy to know his father is always there for him. In those initial chapters, the way the author provides an outline of the Rex, his inner turmoil and the rage that he was holding back in fear that made me frightened of Rex. That made me wonder, how much a person can hold back himself until he can no more and the consequences it may bring upon those who stand in front of him.
I read this book as a live-action series through the eye of my mind but with my subjective experience, the way it's written felt more like an Anime; I will explain why!
After an action packed yet tragic incident, Rex finds himself in another world called EeNara with limited memories of his past where he is met with DiNiya, LyCora, EeNox, ShinGaru and AnaSaya. I enjoyed reading the fact that the author has provided each of our characters a distinct personality and a fun group dynamics. I found the story fast and moving until that incident, but it becomes slow right after the arrival of Rex in EeNara and until the second half of the book because between all that time the story is progressed like the story arcs or mix Canon/fillers in the anime where the book takes its time in that period to set our charactersâ bonds and their chemistry with one another, their past and what makes them what they truly are. (While reading that slow part, I came to a mindful realization that I will write in a separate post).
The core element of this book is the concept of different flames that EeNara's inhabitants possessed like Red, Green, Blue, Gold, and Lavender. Each flame has its distinct qualities and the power it provides to the wielder. The SaVorians and DyVorians, respectively Humans and Dinosaurs of EeNara live in harmony until one day their darkest fears are awakened in the form of DraGons.
If someone who loves reading hardcore fantasy where the imagination is stretched to its limits will certainly love this book because it has the protagonists who possess the strongest powers in the world and can transform into the fierce dinosaurs, the adrenaline filled battle and actions scenes between DraGons and DyVorians, smooth and clever writing and hold of an author on its character, even the DraGons. I am saying this because even the antagonists like DayKar and LamaRes were written so brilliantly. Even though I hated DayKar for his actions but still, I felt sorry for him the way his background was provided and the love he felt for LemaRes.
All that build up in the first half is paid in abundance in the second half where all we get is extreme action, brutal fights, the helplessness it brings in certain parts where I wondered how the character will tackle it. Wild ride is what we can call this reading experience. I am finding it helpless to weave in words what it actually felt like in its very essence; the blood, the growls, massive jaws of beasts and the fleshes it tore apart, the ablaze sky when the DraGons rained the fire, the thud, and thumps of the Dinosaurs and DraGons whenever they collided in each other, the flames that flew out of them and also, the laughs, taunts, fights, and sarcasm in the characters that make them lovable to the reader. There's so much that I experienced but won't be able to put in words.
The authorâs work is must commendable for the absorbing storyline, in-depth detailing, creating an immersive world, and characterization so good that some characters make a permanent place in your heart and mind. It had the element of mystery and suspense as well that kept me pondering upon those unanswered questions and the revelation was indeed satisfying to read. It could have been my 5 â read for me but settled for 4â/5 because the build up time it takes in the first half that surely requires some patience.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated