Embers

I finished Laura's first release Embers a few days ago, but haven't really had a chance to post about it. Let me tell you something. I loved this book. Excellent story. Fast paced. Original idea. Unique and elegant storytelling. Well drawn and interesting characters.

Anya is an arson investigator who is looking into a rash of arson attacks in the city of Detroit. She is also a lantern, a medium of sorts who devours demons and bad ghosts. Anya is a feisty, intelligent and genuine heroine. I liked her right away. Her familiar, a salamander named Sparky, almost steals the show, though, in every scene in which he graces the page.

Her relationship with Drake, who is also a lantern, is fascinating. Drake the antagonist, is a serial arsonist who is planning to summon a god-like demon and sacrifice the city of Detroit to him. Definitely a conflict of interest if there ever was one, but of course, Anya is attracted to him and the chemistry between them sizzles. Very nice.

This story had everything. Romance, a touch of horror, fantasy, myth. There wasn't a dull moment throughout the book. I think though, what I loved most about the story is that the characters were unpredictable. Just when I thought I had them figured out, they would do something surprising.

Laura is a skilled and imaginative storyteller, and her love of the craft shines through in Embers. The story was written with special care, and there is nothing ordinary about it.

If you want something wonderful and original, pick up Embers. Laura Bickle is the real deal.