I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep Series: Black Blade #1
Published by Kensington Books on April 28th 2015
Genres: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
I grabbed Cold Burn of Magic from Netgalley months ago. I mean, it’s Jennifer Estep! How could I not?! But then, life happened and IDK what else, but I didn’t read it. And then the most amazing thing happened. Jennifer Estep sent me book two as an ARC to reviw! SQUEEE!!! I mean, talk about honored! And feelings of total guilt because I haven’t read book one yet….There Be Monsters Here. . .
It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.
I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.
But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . .
Well that problem is now solved. I read Cold Burn of Magic in just four days. In my current life, that’s a huge feat. I went to bed one night at 9, sick and needing sleep. But I wanted to read a little. Next thing I knew, it was 11pm and I was only 1 chapter from finishing the book. Yeah. It was good. But am I really surprised? Nah! Some authors always hit a home run!
If you’ve read Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series, you’ll see something of Gin Blanco in Cold Burn of Magic‘s younger heroine, Lila Merriweather. They both have had it rough because their mother’s were brutally murdered. They both grew up fast and turned into fairly brutal fighers *ahem* killers. They both have two magical talents – one that’s fairly common and another that’s pretty rare. So yeah, there’s similarities and so often that’s like a kiss of death. But, while these characters share some similarites – Cold Burn of Magic is incredibly fresh and not slightly stale. The world is very different and, as one can expect from Jennifer Estep, very well done. I felt so immersed in the world and never lost in it. Even though details of the world were constantly being revealed, it never felt like an info dump. It fit just right.
As much as I loved the world – which is a fantastically elaborate world of magic and mob family drama – it was the characters that hooked me. I mentioned that Lila has a lot in common with Gin, and well – what’s not to love about that? I love Gin! But she’s the younger version – with less experience, perhaps a little less jaded… perhaps?… and her youth makes her just a bit more FUN. This is, of course, coming from the girl that gobbles up YA. But still. Her appetite (the girl can eat), the way she just does and says what she’s thinking, just made me love her. And there’s so many secondary characters to love just as much. I particularly loved a grumpy pixy named Oscar with a heart of gold š I won’t say more, you just have to meet them all for yourself.
While I wish I hadn’t waited to read Cold Burn of Magic, the plus side is that I can dig into the next one immediately. See… procrastination pays off sometimes!
About Jennifer Estep
My name is Jennifer Estep, and Iām the New York Times bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series; the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy; the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series; and the Bigtime paranormal romance series.
Lola
Twitter: lolasreviews
I loved this one as well and just like you thought it were the character that stole the show. I loved all the characters and the little hint of romance. And Oscar was just plain awesome! I agree that Lila had some similiarities to Gin, but they were different enough as well. I can’t wait till my pre-ordered copy of the next book shows up here so I can start reading it!
Lola recently posted…My To-Be Read List #14: poll
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Isn’t Oscar just great?! I’m reading the next one now and I’m loving it. Oscar is even better š the story is More complex now that the world and characters are established – I can’t wait to see the full evolution of this series.
Bookworm Brandee
I’m glad Estep knocked it out of the park for you, Berls. She’s on my *must-read* list but I have to admit that I’ve thought of starting here rather than her Elemental series. Which should I read first? I’m glad that procrastinating paid off š and I look forward to seeing your thoughts on #2.
I hope you’re feeling better. I’m sick as well – no voice either. My kids love it! *haha*
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…That’s What HE Said #38 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #17
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Lol well my voice isn’t back… But I also got hit by some sort of stomach bug and I’m actually home sick. I can work through a lot, but I can’t teach in this pain š Hopefully I’ll be better tomorrow. The kids like me without my regular voice too š
As for where to start – they’re both great really. The thing that’s nice about this one is that you’re not behind and can get current easy. On the flip side, you can’t binge read if you get hooked – which is what I did with elemental assassin. Lol I’m no help, huh? I can loan you EA on audio if that helps….
Bookworm Brandee
Um, yes please! I’d love to borrow EA in audio. How does that work?
You’ll be happy to know that I just binge-listened to Dannika Dark’s Seven series! I think of you every time I finish an audio book. š
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…That’s What HE Said #38 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #17
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Yay!!! That’s one I haven’t read yet too š I will have to download and share files – I’ll do this weekend for you! I have the first five so far I think, and plan on getting more asap š
Lorna
Twitter: Mollykatie112
I keep hearing good things about this book. I really need to check it out! Great review š
Lorna recently posted…Review: Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine (@Mollykatie112, @rachelcaine, @penguinusa)
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Lorna š I really enjoyed pretty much everything about it. Hope you get to check it out!
Melanie Simmons
Twitter: mslimmons
I’ve already ordered the audio. I’m going to listen to this one when it comes out. I haven’t tried anything by Jennifer Estep but Gin’s books, so it should be interesting.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…2015 Audiobook Challenge Third Update.
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
I love her Gin Blanco series, though I haven’t managed to get current yet. I can’t wait to see what you think of the audio!
Ramona
Twitter: RamonaWray
Ahh, I still haven’t read it! It’s been on my list forever… Well, I’m glad you loved it, ducks – everyone seems to! And I’m glad you’re still reading & posting, when you’re coming live directly from Hell, lol š Hugs.
Ramona recently posted…Zen Monday: Find Inner Peace
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Lol! Yep these posts are all directly from HELL š but the books are helping me survive, as is my blogging about hell!
Stormi
Twitter: 1975
This was my first book by this author and I thought it was okay but a bit slow in parts. I think I am coming to the conclusion that I am not a world building person. They books always sound so good but in the end…I just want to get to the action. š I am currently reading book two but I am only on chapter two so I don’t have an opinion yet…lol. š Glad you loved it and had a chance to get some reading in! š
Stormi recently posted…The Week In Review #55
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
I’m reading book 2 now too and I’m not far but enjoying it. I really enjoy world building, so I can see why that could have been slow if you don’t.
Jennifer @ The Book Nympho
Twitter: thebooknympho
I enjoyed this one too! I’m going to give it another go on audio when it releases. I also have a copy of the next book. I plan on reading it in a week or so once I get a novel for school read.
Jennifer recently posted…3RD QUARTER UPDATE | 2015 AUDIOBOOK CHALLENGE
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
I would like to get the audio as well, I think it releases like next month if I recall. I started the next one yesterday – really enjoying it already š
Felicia GeekyBlogger ( @ thegeekyblogger)
Twitter: thegeekyblogger
I am going to wait to see how you like the audio first. I have never listened to Brittany (though I think you did with Brown Eyed Girl) so you have to tell me how young sounding she is. I know the characters are late teens but I read them with maturity so I don’t want that spoiling it. š
Felicia GeekyBlogger ( recently posted…#LoveMyLibraryCard: Final Week, Banned Books + Giveaway!
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Lol that makes sense Felicia. I’ll be curious to see what you think too Jennifer!