Reviews

City in Embers by Stacey Marie Brown

hazyclear's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

nemerith's review

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3.0

A sexy, brooding fae, a woman who has lost everything and suddenly has magic and is being hunted? What's not to like? :D oh and oh my god, Sprig is the bestest, cutest sidekick ever!!!
The book started strong, it slowed down considerably for a while, but once I got past that I didn't put it down till the end!
I liked the book and will absolutely read the rest of the series! I feel that with book 1 we got to know Zoey pretty well, got glimpses of what kind of guy/fae our Viking really is and some precious memories from his past, so hope to find out a bit more about the plot, the stone and the bad guys in book 2.
The Barrier Between... here I come!

notsonicenikki's review

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5.0

This book is so captivating, I listened to the audio and loved it. If you are looking for found family and “I shouldn’t want you but I’m drawn to you, then this is for you. Cannot wait to continue on!

montanalikethestate's review

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2.0

Plot was Meh at best. Narrator in audiobook was also less than stellar. I won't bother with the rest of the series.

halleyesmith's review

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

unapologetic_romantic's review

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4.0

This is my second time reading this book, and honestly, I'd forgotten how interesting it was and how easily it pulled me in.

The beginning of the book is basically a set up of Zoey's life, we get information from her past and how she's come to be where she is, working for a secret government facility where her special powers are used daily. Zoey can see fae, other worldly beings that's she then helps capture for scientific experiments.
But when a freak electrical storm strikes on one of her collection mission, Zoey's life is turned upside down, to say it was shattered isn't an understatement.
This is where the book gets really interesting, Zoey is now linked to Ryker, a ruthless fae warrior, one that's hell bend on getting back something of his that is apparently in Zoey's possession.

In a city that's been destroyed by the electrical storm, Zoey and Ryker have to dodge enemies hell bend on capturing or killing them. Their journey gets more complicated with twists and turns and pitfall around every corner, not to mention that Zoey and Ryker aren't exactly best friends, is fact their hatred is palpable to say the least.
A women who hates fae stuck with a fae who hates humans, what could possibly go wrong?

I love the story that Stacey Marie Brown has weaved throughout this book. I love that she's created two characters who hate each other but are stuck together in a destroyed city running and fighting for their lives; oh and i forgot to mention, their adorable and hilarious sidekick Sprig, a narcoleptic monkey-Sprite.
The relationship that is build between these two characters has my toes curling and girly giggles escaping from my mouth. Slowly, almost way to slowly, the relationship starts to change; from hatred, to a grudging realisation that they're stuck together, to not quite hating but really not liking each other, to mutual understand and then a sexually charged semi-partnership.
The subtle change throughout the book was ingenious, however, I couldn't quite give this book the 5 starts the better half of this book deserves.

Right where my stomach is in knots and I'm speed reading to get more of my Zoey/Ryker fix, Zoey is dropped right back into her past, kidnapped and forced into a street fight by some punk leader of the 'top' gang in Seattle, the 'avenging angle' has a come back that really wasn't my cup of tea. However, as you can tell, this hasn't stopped me from reading the book again, and it doesn't take long before she's back on the run, finding out secrets and trying to dodge the people that want her back.

I recommend that anyone who's been slightly drawn to this book, or is thinking that maybe they should give it ago? Really do, you will be pleasantly surprised by how good this book is and how well it has been thought out and developed.

lucypkeen's review

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5.0

I was concerned that I wouldn't like reading the Collector series and leaving Darkness (and West) perspectives for NEW characters. BUT BOY WAS I WRONG. Ryker, definitely a top love interest in this world (potentially just behind Warwick). I really appreciated Zoey's upbringing with zero sunshine and rainbows. It gave her a very different perspective. This storyline was definitely darker than the other books in this group of series. I also really liked that Zoey started out with human strength and stamina, and still was able to hold her own. Good start to a new storyline. Couldn't wait to get into the next book.

iggyebab's review against another edition

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3.0

I have been searching for a good urban fantasy. Several of my favorite series ended last year and i have been missing good urban fantasy.
This had a promising start. Lots of misdirection and half truths. Mistrust and misinformation.
Zoey has never known the truth. She has made her own family because she never had one. She hates Fae and works to capture them.
Ryker is Fae. He is strong and fast and hates humans.
They find themselves in an untenable situation that requires they want to together.

gin_tonic's review against another edition

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

ryann2011's review against another edition

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5.0

Another epic adventure and set of characters from the brilliant Stacey Marie Brown.

Holy hell this book gripped me. I read it in a single sitting and was unable and unwilling to put it down.

I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with these characters!
⚡️Zoey is such a strong and feisty character. Watching her navigate loss and all the illusions she thought were reality coming down was phenomenal. She clearly has a mind of her own and she’s not afraid to use it.
⚡️Ryker calling Zoey “human” the entire book was giving me LIFE. And he’s a snarky hot Viking - what’s not to love? But he was also fiercely protective and resilient and I loved that no matter what he kept coming back for more.
⚡️Sprig -the monkey sprite - was the comedic relief and animal sidekick that every story should have. And they way he passes out like a fainting goat when he gets stressed out