Review: Firelight ( Darkest London #1) by Kristen Callihan

Firelight by Kristen Callihan

• Pub. Date:February 2012
• Publisher: Grand Centeral Publishing
• Pages: 400
• Series: Darkest London #1

http://kristencallihan.com/

"London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . . 


Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.


They will burn for eternity . . . 


Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask."

First Sentence: The knowledge that Archer would soon end the life of another cut at his soul with every step he took.


Review: Firelight is now one of my favorites in the paranormal/historical romance genre. It was intriguing, Gothic, action packed full of mystery and murder, and it reminded me of a darker version of Beauty & the Beast and Phantom of the Opera all mixed in one.Needless to say I was sucked into the novel within the first few pages.

The characters were amazing. I was able to connect with both the main characters Lord Archer and Miranda. I loved the fact that Miranda was a strong character who had a sharp tongue on her and was not fearful of anything.  As for Lord Archer he is the ideal tortured hero I couldn't help but fall in love with his character. I also liked how the mystery around him unravels in bits and pieces. Then there was the romance between the two, all I have to say is that the two were perfect for each other both stubborn, passionate and with secrets that haunt them everyday.

Overall Callihan did a wonderful job with Firelight the writing, the characters and the world building all done very well. I loved that this can be a standalone since the next book in the series is obviously about Ian whom I would love to get to know more of especially since he already sparked my curiosity in Firelight. I will definitely be buying this novel to add to my bookshelf because I can see myself reading this again and again.