It is tough to write a review for this book. Firelight is the debut novel for Kristen Callihan and she enters the romance world with quite a sensation. The book is a mixture of gothic/historical romance with a paranormal twist. The reason it is hard to write a review is because the majority of the book is shrouded in mystery. I would be doing a disservice to anyone who wants to read this book if I were to write a true review. So I will try to summarize the characters and the overall tone and let the readers go from there.
Miranda Ellis and Lord Archer first meet when Miranda is 19 years old. Archer is on his way to kill her father when he encounters her being cornered by some men. He is immediately captivated by her bravado and heart. Once he scares the men away Miranda turns her attention to Archer. Miranda is very much used to men coming to threaten or harm her father so she is fairly sure why Archer is there and even though she is no fan of her father’s she stands up to Archer. Fascinated by the turn of events, Archer lets Miranda manhandle him. The scene creates a turning point in their lives, one that Miranda is unaware of but one that Archer remembers each day.
Three years later, Miranda’s father informs her she is to immediately marry Lord Archer. Archer is shunned by society. He has been abroad for several years and has returned only to take Miranda as his bride. The catch with Archer is that he wears a mask. He never lets anyone see his face or body. He meets with Miranda before the marriage is to take place and explains to her that she will never see the man behind the mask and as long as she can live with that she will want for nothing in their marriage. Aware of a strange connection that she feels with Archer, Miranda decides to take a chance and marry him.
Firelight is one giant, pull you in, mystery. For the first half of the book, we read about Miranda and Archer learning each other in a way that normal people do not deal with. Archer is so secretive and there is something different about him. He has heightened senses, great strength, crazy speed, and a way of knowing what is happening without actually being at the scene. This makes Archer a very intriguing character and it makes Miranda’s reactions to him fascinating to read. She constantly pushes him to show her more, to let her in but every person he has ever revealed himself to has turned away from him and he does not believe he will survive losing Miranda. Even though Archer is viewed by society as cold and calculating he is really so vulnerable when it comes to Miranda.
My one great frustration with this book was that I.JUST.WANTED.TO.KNOW. When I say the book is steeped in mystery, I am not kidding. There are so many questions that I bounced back and forth from the beauty that was Miranda and Archer to the story that was on going on in the background and I wasn’t sure which to focus on. Ultimately, the story in the background is a major driver of how Miranda and Archer play off of each other. If you are going to read this book, I urge you to go in without trying to find out spoilers. I truly believe that if you know ahead of time what the major conflict is; it will detract from your overall reading of the book. The conflict is quite a doozy too. I can honestly say that I have never come across one quite like it.
Overall, I would recommend this book to lovers of dark historical or paranormal romance lovers. This not a light-hearted book but one that is very well-written and descriptive with its darkness. Firelight is a great debut novel for Ms. Callihan and I will eagerly look forward to her next book. Final Grade- B+
Favorite Quote:
Slowly, her slim hand smoothed over the swell of his buttock, lingering there. A shocked laugh choked his throat, the sound muddled by a stifled groan that her intrigued touch elicited. The saucy little sneak thief was copping a feel. He felt inclined to turn around and let her get a handful. Christ, this was madness.
Rating: B+
Firelight by Kristen Callihan
January 31st 2012 by Grand Central
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I’m an Archer groupie. Love this book–great review!
Thanks! Archer was a very interesting guy, wasn’t he?!
I’m not always a fan of dark-PNR. I have to be in the right mood. This one sounds like one I might like though. Loved the quote.
Definitely a ‘gothic’ romance type. I picture dark alleys and streets in London when I think of this book.
The few paranormal historicals I’ve read didn’t impress me but I really want to give this one a try. Nice review Jen!
Thanks! What other ones have you read? I can’t think of any that have been too popular, just off the top of my head.
This sounds awesome, Jen. I’d already planned to read it, but your review really cemented it. The uncertainty and mystery that you mention is something I love in Anne Mallory’s books so I hope I enjoy it here.
Their chemistry combined with the overall mystery made me edgy the whole book! I hope you like it!
Hahaha, I just wanted to know too! Still some questions I hope are answered with book two.
Yes! I hope book 2 is as good as this one was. The tension was great!
Sounds good
This makes me wish I had try to request it on netgalley!
I hope you enjoy it if you do end up getting it!