Terra’s on the run from many things in her life. Her psycho ex, three strangers–one of whom would try to win her heart. The nefarious preternatural beings these outsiders are at constant war with.
Which will conquer her first?
Title: The Fire He Started | Author: Sarah Connor | Series: Paralystax Series: Terra Vol 1 | Publisher: Independently Published | Pub. Date: 5 March 2019 | Pages: 522 | ISBN: 9781795565882 | Genre: Urban Fantasy | Language: English | Triggers: See Review| Rating: 3 out of 5 | Source: I received a copy of this novel from the author for review consideration
The Fire He Started Review
Protagonist, Terra, is a strong and well-rounded female character. She has suffered and survived serious traumas, which have left her scarred physically and mentally. Firmly written, you connect with her wholly and are behind her in her decisions *almost* every step of the way. I did struggle at some points with believability and she does wobble a bit in her choices occasionally, mostly though she sticks to her guns and she is a pleasing character for this genre.
Regarding the aforementioned ‘serious trauma’ that Terra has survived, violence and brutality feature throughout the novel. There is blood, there are heroes, and there are victims. It’s nothing overly shocking, but it’s there and it could potentially trigger anyone that might have faced similar experiences in their past.
This book is definitely a victim of popular tropes and clichés familiar to the genre, for example *trying not to get too spoilery here* – girl is raped and loses her family, goes it on her own, finds three handsome young (men?) and they ‘protect her and keep her safe’, will she or won’t she fall in love with one of them? The rape scene alluded to earlier is mentioned and referred to in the novel, but it is not described in detail and you are not a witness to it happening.
Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with using familiar tropes to the genre, the majority of the time it is expected; it will be interesting to see if Connor takes the rest of the series to someplace unique. I am certainly intrigued by Leon, (potential? love interest and one of the ‘saviours’), he isn’t just a handsome guy with muscles, there is something behind those blue eyes just waiting for to be explored further.
The novel is left open and I have numerous questions, it is a fast paced scene setter with so much potential for the future series. I am excited for Sarah to keep writing and improving as this has the opportunity to become something really great.
3 stars!
You can find this book at many retailers via clicking on the appropriate link on GoodReads (Buying direct from retailers is a good way to support indie authors); however, in the spirit of supporting literacy programs, we would like to point out that you may be able to purchase this book through BetterWorldBooks.
Sian joined the Coolthulu crew in March 2019 and reviews horror and science fiction books for the site.
She’s trying hard to play it cool but she’s more excited than Lilyn’s new puppy to be part of the crew. PS we got T-shirts!
