themadnessofsam's review against another edition
3.0
I'll probably read the next book. but not right now
shelbymarie32's review against another edition
4.0
I disagree with my review from 2016. I liked this a lot more than I did six years ago. And even though I criticized the writing this book has popped in and out of my head over the years and after rereading it I really like the writing. This is an interesting and fun book.
driedfrogpills's review against another edition
3.0
Chasing Embers feels like reading three different books in one: you've got the urban fantasy angle, with legendary creatures living alongside an ignorant humanity; you've got the magical past backstory complete with centuries-old grudge match; and you've got the Egyptian/North African history, now with more dragons.
The thing is, just one of these stories would have been cool, and I know this is the first book in a series so there's a lot of world-building that has to go into it. But at times I felt like I was getting whiplash from all the different plot lines and elements. There's a way to do it cleanly in fantasy fiction - I'm just not sure Bennett quite hit the mark.
That said, I liked our mainman dragon Ben. He had a noir detective air to him that for me made me feel his age. Which I can appreciate, dealing with a character that is supposed to be centuries old. A lot of the supporting cast are also equally awesome and complex, and the ending did have some very satisfying parts to it. Though I could have done without the Rose romantic subplot, because their relationship just felt so fake.
The writing could be a little less purple-prosy, but after a while I kind of started ignoring it. And to be honest, I'll probably try to pick up the second book whenever it gets published, because I'm a sucker for dragons.
The thing is, just one of these stories would have been cool, and I know this is the first book in a series so there's a lot of world-building that has to go into it. But at times I felt like I was getting whiplash from all the different plot lines and elements. There's a way to do it cleanly in fantasy fiction - I'm just not sure Bennett quite hit the mark.
That said, I liked our main
The writing could be a little less purple-prosy, but after a while I kind of started ignoring it. And to be honest, I'll probably try to pick up the second book whenever it gets published, because I'm a sucker for dragons.
csdaley's review against another edition
2.0
I honestly wanted to like this book but it really ultimately didn't work for me. The writing was fine but I just didn't care. Maybe my urban fantasy cup has filled up. I will not be reading the next one.
keary's review against another edition
3.0
I really want to like this book more. It's heart is in the right place although it is very Male oriented. But it is just so over written. The author cannot use one word where three descriptions and a couple of analogies will do. I actually got bored on a few pages. For an adventure tale that is a pretty damning statement. Not sure I'll pick up the rest of the series.
lulustjames's review against another edition
3.0
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Dragons? Who doesn’t love dragons? Then, you add in dragons in the modern world? I couldn’t get my hands on this fast enough! Sadly, Chasing Embers by James Bennett didn’t live up to the hype I had built up in my head. It’s good, definitely worth three stars, but not as exciting or fun as I expected. It took perhaps a good 50% before it got to the point where I was like okay, I need to know what happens next and cannot put it down!
One of the biggest flaws I had with Chasing Embers, was also one of the things that I came to really enjoy: Ben’s constant introspection. His narration is one filled with self pity, and it’s understandable with everything he has had to endure in his life. It is also one of the easiest ways to get information out to the readers. But, it’s still so droll having it go on for pages instead of simply seeing action happen. I understand he doesn’t want to take action, but a story needs action to compel the plot forward and I think this one had a bit too slow of a pace for the casual reader. As I said earlier, it wasn’t until I was nearly halfway through the novel that the pacing finally picked up and I was sucked in. Most readers will not have that same patience, I’m afraid.
However, thanks to the introspective narrative, Bennett gives us incredible details about how this modern world works alongside the world of myths. He has a strong world built and it’s one I’d love to explore further. I think since this was the first book in the series, that is the reason for the absolute complete influx of overwhelming information that makes the narrative dull at the start. He needs to get his world built and make the reader feel as though they have their feet firmly planted in it. Hopefully, book two of the series will bypass the need to give all this extreme backstory and be much more active.
Something I absolutely LOVED though, was Rose. She was the shining star and character of this entire novel, which is a shame because we hardly see her. I desperately hope we get more of her in the second novel in the series. It was so incredibly refreshing to see a female love interest actually stand up for herself and essentially say f**k you to the hero. To walk away because she deserves better and won’t accept someone who cannot be honest with them, who hurts them on purpose. She was amazing and I wish more authors would write women like Rose.
Chasing Embers by James Bennett had a slow start but definitely laid down strong foundations for a compelling series. With the heavy world building out of the way in book one, the next one is sure to offer a better paced story that will be able to focus more on the already interesting characters introduced in book one.
// I received this title for free in exchange for an honest review //
old_tim's review against another edition
4.0
A fun start to a new UF series. Bonus points for no vampires or werewolves!
http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2016/09/flame-on.html
http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2016/09/flame-on.html
innowen's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received a eBook from netgalley.com in exchange for a honest review.
The cover drew me to Chasing Embers. A red dragon tail, floating above a city. I love dragons and dragon mythologies. James Bennett has done a brilliant job of finding space for dragons in the urban fantasy genre. In this first book, we meet Ben Garston, a dragon living under the guise of a human. He's part of the old myths, critters (fae, gods, etc.) that existed long ago and have faded to myth. While Ben lives by the the Pact, Lore and rules designed to protect both humans and Reminants alike, he suddenly finds himself thrown into a intriguing series of events that threatens the very existence of all he knows.
Bennett's writing is a strange mix of poetry and prose. It reads like a mix of faerie tales and urban fantasy. The characters are well rounded with merits and flaws. The world we're thrust into is also well rounded. There are many groups whose interests border on saving or harming the world they live in. Alliances are made and strategy formed.
In the end, this is a fun read and I'm quite curious to see where Bennett takes Red Ben in the future.
The cover drew me to Chasing Embers. A red dragon tail, floating above a city. I love dragons and dragon mythologies. James Bennett has done a brilliant job of finding space for dragons in the urban fantasy genre. In this first book, we meet Ben Garston, a dragon living under the guise of a human. He's part of the old myths, critters (fae, gods, etc.) that existed long ago and have faded to myth. While Ben lives by the the Pact, Lore and rules designed to protect both humans and Reminants alike, he suddenly finds himself thrown into a intriguing series of events that threatens the very existence of all he knows.
Bennett's writing is a strange mix of poetry and prose. It reads like a mix of faerie tales and urban fantasy. The characters are well rounded with merits and flaws. The world we're thrust into is also well rounded. There are many groups whose interests border on saving or harming the world they live in. Alliances are made and strategy formed.
In the end, this is a fun read and I'm quite curious to see where Bennett takes Red Ben in the future.
nini_f's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very refreshing read. Bad guys and quirky characters a plenty. What I particularly liked was the fact that although the world was saved for another day the character did not do this in a blaze of glory and walk off with everything he wanted.
The world is well written and creatures of myth are transplanted into a modern day setting that matches our own. I look forward to reading more of Red Bens trials as inevitably more remnants wake from the deep sleep.
The world is well written and creatures of myth are transplanted into a modern day setting that matches our own. I look forward to reading more of Red Bens trials as inevitably more remnants wake from the deep sleep.