Monday, July 9, 2012

WITHIN FLAMES by Marjorie M. Liu

A Dirk and Steele Novel
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: November 29th, 2011
ISBN 9780062020178
Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained by Publisher
Reviewed by Dawn


Eddie had his life turned around after joining the Dirk & Steele Agency. He is a former car thief, pyrokinetic and is determined to not lose control of his powers. When he is asked help Lyssa, he can’t say no. But who is this mysterious woman who has the power of fire as well? Will Lyssa steal his heart even as they go up in flames?

I love this author’s Dirk & Steele series. It’s a hot fun ride from start to finish and in her latest installment, we finally get Eddie’s story. He can wield fire and is determined to not let it control him. Lyssa is a woman who has hidden most of her life and can wield fire as well. When these two come together, it’s explosive. Ms. Liu delivers a strong story that has darker moments that I felt helped balance it out. The writing was tight, story flowed swiftly and the characters were very well written. I was thrilled to see some past story characters pop up as well and it was nice to see how they were doing after their stories were done.

Meet Eddie and Lyssa. Eddie is a pyrokinetic and former thief. When his sister’s killer goes free early, he finds the control he has over his fire power weakened and it takes all his control to not let it consume him and hurt others. Lyssa is the last of her kind and has hidden in the shadows ever since. Ms. Liu created two characters who are perfect for one another. Both are haunted, consumed with their past that it takes to meeting their fated mate to see their future-if they can grab it with both hands and trust in their hearts. Eddie and Lyssa are wonderful separate and together. I liked how they complimented one another and their connection is swoon worthy. The simmering sexual tension between them keeps the reader on edge even as they dodge bad guys and fall in love. The secondary characters are just as well written and kept the story moving smoothly. A few sub-plots had me on the edge and I was flipping pages like mad to see what happens next.

WITHIN FLAMES is a wonderful addition to the series and one that you can read as a stand-alone story. The series is one I highly recommend to anyone looking for a fast paced, edge of your seat adventure with amazing characters. I would run to grab this one and then settle in for an afternoon of reading pleasure. I look forward to seeing what happens next in the Dirk & Steele series and who may be next in this author’s crosshairs.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

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