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cubfan82's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't sure what to expect from a book that I had gotten for free from Amazon for my Kindle, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was a very entertaining read.
This book probably isn't for people who don't like their romance to be drawn out in books. While there is a bit of a romantic subplot, it's not the main focus of the book. I'm assuming there will eventually be an HEA for the two main characters, but it's not happening yet.
One thing I liked is the book's new take on vampires (or at least new to me if it's been done before). All vampires have an affinity for a particular element (earth, air, fire, water), with fire vamps being particularly rare. This makes fight scenes a little more interesting, as you see elements come into play.
What makes this less than a five star read for me is I found myself initially liking the secondary characters more than the 2 main characters. I found it especially hard to warm up to Gio for some reason. Also, there were some typos, which really isn't that big of a deal, but it took me out of the immersion I had into the story, and it would take a bit for me to get back into it. Proofreading is a big part of my job, and I just can't turn that part of my brain off when I'm reading for fun.
I'm interested to read the next in the series and find out where the characters will go from here.
This book probably isn't for people who don't like their romance to be drawn out in books. While there is a bit of a romantic subplot, it's not the main focus of the book. I'm assuming there will eventually be an HEA for the two main characters, but it's not happening yet.
One thing I liked is the book's new take on vampires (or at least new to me if it's been done before). All vampires have an affinity for a particular element (earth, air, fire, water), with fire vamps being particularly rare. This makes fight scenes a little more interesting, as you see elements come into play.
What makes this less than a five star read for me is I found myself initially liking the secondary characters more than the 2 main characters. I found it especially hard to warm up to Gio for some reason. Also, there were some typos, which really isn't that big of a deal, but it took me out of the immersion I had into the story, and it would take a bit for me to get back into it. Proofreading is a big part of my job, and I just can't turn that part of my brain off when I'm reading for fun.
I'm interested to read the next in the series and find out where the characters will go from here.
lovemagicbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jadedpsyche's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ainashay's review against another edition
5.0
I had my reservations about this book at first because I haven't heard much about it, but I was quickly swept up in it. The characters are believable and I enjoy them. There is a very thin line that has to be observed when dealing with vampires and the women they love. It is so easy to make the girl such a needy "woe is me" type character, but Hunter definitely wrote B well. She had problems, as we all do, and she fell in love with a vampire, as we all wish we could. Everything else was pretty amazing about her, and a woman of my own heart as someone who ran to the comfort of books. I am very much looking forward to the 2nd book.
Likes: characters believably, the autonomy of Beatrice, the story concept and the research they had to do into books.
Dislikes: I think the conflict should have lasted slightly longer. I don't want to give it away, but I wanted more details once the big drama happened, and I feel like it went by too fast.
Likes: characters believably, the autonomy of Beatrice, the story concept and the research they had to do into books.
Dislikes: I think the conflict should have lasted slightly longer. I don't want to give it away, but I wanted more details once the big drama happened, and I feel like it went by too fast.
anisakajee90's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lilawolken's review against another edition
5.0
Difficult to easy to read
The first few chapters were a little confusing to understand what was going on, there were many names used and it almost seemed like information was missing. I re-read the first 4 chapters again and it started to make more sense and it made more sense as the book went on. It was a good book and leaves you hanging for the next book to figure out what is going to happen.
The first few chapters were a little confusing to understand what was going on, there were many names used and it almost seemed like information was missing. I re-read the first 4 chapters again and it started to make more sense and it made more sense as the book went on. It was a good book and leaves you hanging for the next book to figure out what is going to happen.
geneags's review against another edition
5.0
Very smart writing and story telling. Not many seasoned writers could weave such a thorough and intriguing story like Elizabeth Hunter did with A Hidden Fire. This was so different from any vampire world I've read about, the concept was very interesting and kept me engrossed. With thoroughly flushed out characters, wouldn't have mattered if there weren't such great ones, I wanted to know more about them and loved seeing through their eyes and hearing their inner musings. Beatrice was a great character with a quick wit, and a strong minded chica with a humorous side to boot. Giovanni was the lonely vampire with a tough exterior that started to crumble when Beatrice came into his life. And the supporting characters were a great addition to the story, villains and good guys alike. It is a great thing to have good friends and Gio definitely did, I couldn't get enough of Carwyn, he was the oldest teenager anyone will ever come across. He was so much fun and a confidant for Beatrice. I got teary eyed when he announced he was returning home. And there was Caspar, can't forget him, a well as Tenzin and Isabel all good people in my book. Of course lets not forget the villain of the story, Lorenzo, his existence was the bane of Gio's temperament.
I love the story's historical flash backs, it added a necessary and surprising look at Gio's past, it explained Gio's hard exterior and determined stance. I wished Gio would've eased up on himself and realize that it's about time he have what he wants or needs, whatever the case may be, and I would assume that would be Beatrice. Tenzin did mention that he was right to be patient, guess it was one of her visions or something, she was always cryptic. I really think it's his time now, he's been a good vampire and deserves to find love.
There was a bit of humor in the story that made it even more enjoyable. I can't believe how good a story A Hidden Fire turned out to be, it definitely did grab my attention and didn't let go not even now since I can't wait to start reading the next book.
I love the story's historical flash backs, it added a necessary and surprising look at Gio's past, it explained Gio's hard exterior and determined stance. I wished Gio would've eased up on himself and realize that it's about time he have what he wants or needs, whatever the case may be, and I would assume that would be Beatrice. Tenzin did mention that he was right to be patient, guess it was one of her visions or something, she was always cryptic. I really think it's his time now, he's been a good vampire and deserves to find love.
There was a bit of humor in the story that made it even more enjoyable. I can't believe how good a story A Hidden Fire turned out to be, it definitely did grab my attention and didn't let go not even now since I can't wait to start reading the next book.
mkultra22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
a_chickletz's review against another edition
5.0
Oh.
My.
God?
Where has this book been all my life? Well, I know where it HAS been for the past year. I had joined goodreads (a discount and free kindle book email service) and this was one of the books that popped up. The thing intrigued me, and since it was free, I downloaded it.
I finally got around to reading it last night and it was so good I marathoned it all in one sitting. I have never done that with a book in a long time, nor for a book that has to do with vampires.
I was so scared that this was going to become Twilight but thank god it never did. What I got was a vampire that was fresh, new, and reminded me of a clash between an X-Men and Anne Rice. The focus, er the heroine, was a sassy, strong, cunning girl who could totally rip the shit out of Bella Swan.
The story, the characters, everything was paced so wonderful that I couldn't find any cliches or problems that made me roll my eyes or put off from reading for a bit. (Wait till you guys meet Camryn! He's so amazing.)
I loved the book so much I went and purchased book two. :)
Seriously. Read the other reviews - this is a hidden gem in supernatural literature that you gotta pick up.
My.
God?
Where has this book been all my life? Well, I know where it HAS been for the past year. I had joined goodreads (a discount and free kindle book email service) and this was one of the books that popped up. The thing intrigued me, and since it was free, I downloaded it.
I finally got around to reading it last night and it was so good I marathoned it all in one sitting. I have never done that with a book in a long time, nor for a book that has to do with vampires.
I was so scared that this was going to become Twilight but thank god it never did. What I got was a vampire that was fresh, new, and reminded me of a clash between an X-Men and Anne Rice. The focus, er the heroine, was a sassy, strong, cunning girl who could totally rip the shit out of Bella Swan.
The story, the characters, everything was paced so wonderful that I couldn't find any cliches or problems that made me roll my eyes or put off from reading for a bit. (Wait till you guys meet Camryn! He's so amazing.)
I loved the book so much I went and purchased book two. :)
Seriously. Read the other reviews - this is a hidden gem in supernatural literature that you gotta pick up.
kippins's review against another edition
3.0
This was so close to being a DNF for me. The first half was so slow & boring to me, but I read friends reviews & they all seemed to say the same thing, slow to start but great in the end.
And they were right. The 3 stars are totally for the second half. Wants the action truly started & the romance really started I couldn't put it down. So much so that I went straight into the next one :)
I loved Gio. He is the perfect combo of sweet & tough. The things he says & does for B are divine & then the way he gets when he has protect her etc is just swoon-worthy!
And Beatrice is a great heroine, I really liked her.
And they were right. The 3 stars are totally for the second half. Wants the action truly started & the romance really started I couldn't put it down. So much so that I went straight into the next one :)
I loved Gio. He is the perfect combo of sweet & tough. The things he says & does for B are divine & then the way he gets when he has protect her etc is just swoon-worthy!
And Beatrice is a great heroine, I really liked her.