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Reviews for SPARKS…
RT Book Reviews:
The second book in Bickle’s series about Anya Kalinczyk is just as wonderful as the first—Anya is a compelling and likable protagonist and Bickle does an outstanding job in her portrayal of the city of Detroit; there are ruins, yes, but also hope in the ashes. Anya never takes herself too seriously and there is a scene in a baby supercenter that is absolutely not to be missed. (4 stars)
The second book in Bickle’s series about Anya Kalinczyk is just as wonderful as the first—Anya is a compelling and likable protagonist and Bickle does an outstanding job in her portrayal of the city of Detroit; there are ruins, yes, but also hope in the ashes. Anya never takes herself too seriously and there is a scene in a baby supercenter that is absolutely not to be missed. (4 stars)
Reviews for EMBERS…
“One of the most promising debut novels I’ve read in a great while… I’d highly recommend this book to anybody who reads fantasy. It reminds me in many regards…of another exceptional first novel…Emma Bull’s seminal War for the Oaks, and there’s not much higher praise that I can give.” —Elizabeth Bear on Tor.com
“Bickle has something great in Anya. Embers has everything: demons, ghosts, dragons, love, sex, police, and murder.” —M.L.N. Hanover, bestselling author of Darker Angels —Jeri Smith-Ready, award-winning author of Bad to the Bone and Shade
Bickle’s dark, dramatic urban fantasy debut introduces Lt. Anya Kalinczyk of the Detroit Fire Department, who investigates arson by day and huntsghosts at night. As a unique type of medium, a Lantern or “human bug zapper,” Anya can simply inhale and destroy spirits while accompanied by her familiar, a … salamander named Sparky…Though she’s a far cry from the usual hip, cheeky urban fantasy heroine, Anya’s stoic determination is completely apropos for a crime-solving loner. Bickle provides plenty of suspense as the arsonist tries to raise a powerful elemental being, and Anya accidentally absorbs a demon that threatens to possess her. Readers will look forward to Anya’s future supernatural investigations.
Locus:
“This very promising first novel is a solid fantasy mystery with a strong protagonist and an effective contemporary setting in a decaying Detroit.”—Carolyn Cushman, Locus Magazine
With a lovable narrator who fights daily with good and evil, Bickle delivers a fun new addition to fantasy reading. She packs her novel with an overall sense of doom, peppered with side stories and relationships that make this a fast, entertaining read. Hardly a dull moment! (4 Stars)
Urban fantasy fans will relish this superb entry of a kick butt female who takes both her day and night jobs seriously. Anya knows fire investigation and paranormal inquires are dangerous and acts accordingly. The fast-paced story line follows her exploits on the mean streets of Detroit and its even meaner underground. Sub-genre fans will wonder which Lantern will prevail with Sirrush from beyond.
Embers has something for most fans of urban and dark fantasy. It is an entertaining ride and Anya is a strong character. Readers will quickly find themselves gritting their teeth as Anya is presented with more obstacles, hoping she will have her final victory. Bickle weaves in a large cast of characters, while creating an investigative feel to the story. The book is researched, creative and well written. If you like this type of fantasy, consider grabbing a copy.
Ms. Bickle pens a dynamite urban fantasy debut complete with fascinating characters, a great action filled plot, set in a very atmospheric, eerie and dark Detroit. Her characters are rich and captivating, fitting nicely into the backdrop of Detroit’s gritty and deadly supernatural scene. The plot is fast-paced and the magic is thoroughly integrated into the story, making Embers a real page-turner.
What sets this novel apart from the plethora of “tough as nails” female leads is the great work Ms. Bickle does with characterization. Embers’ protagonist, Anya, is a hero, but the nature of her work means Anya also has a dark side. Anya is one of the most multi-dimensional characters in the urban fantasy genre. She’s powerful, and tears through the spiritual underworld of Detroit, but it takes a personal toll on her. It was tough to see Anya struggle with isolation and her feelings of being torn between the spirit world and our world…
Anya has an amazing familiar, a five-foot fire salamander named Sparky. What’s not to love about Sparky? He has many endearing attributes. He’s quirky, loyal and needy to a fault, but he’s also Anya’s protector. He loves her very much and has a hard time sharing her. Sparky doesn’t speak and can only be seen by Anya and ghosts, but nonetheless his presence is felt. Sparky is the one constant in Anya’s life and he annoys her as much as he comforts her. It’s actually quite touching.
Overall, Embers is an impressive debut. Think Ghost Hunters meets Supernatural and that’s just a fraction of the good times you will get out of reading this book. Ms. Bickle delivers great storytelling, compelling characters, and top-notch worldbuilding. Embers is well written with a fresh and unique mythology. Danger, demons and Devil’s Night abound, making this book hard to put down. I’m really looking forward to visiting this gritty and dark world again in the sequel, Sparks.
Embers is the debut novel from author Laura Bickle. Right from the beginning I knew that this book was going to be a winner. I was right. My thoughts about this book never wavered. If anything, my excitement grew. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the next book, Sparks. Sparky [a salamander] is the best familiar any psychic could ever own. The way Sparky would act made me laugh. Watch out Ghost Busters as there is a new sheriff in town, and her name is Anya. She is sharp, sassy, and can kick some serious spirit soul. Laura Bickle is an author to keep an eye on as she is going far. Embers proves it. (Five Angels)
[Five Fangs]
Embers is a hot debut novel for Laura Bickle. Embers is the first book of a sizzling new series that is sure to leave you smoldering for more of Anya and Sparky….
Embers is the epitome of urban fantasy- this is what the genre is all about–a little hard and edgy, emotional, with a dash of romance thrown in–all tied together in a complex world peppered with supernatural creatures and phenomenon.
Sparky has to be the most unusual and one of the best sidekicks out there. I can honestly say I have never felt all cuddly about a salamander before but now after reading about Sparky, I am seeing them in a new light. Sparky is full of personality and pizazz which greatly adds to the story. A good sidekick can make or break a book sometimes and Sparky helped put this book in the keeper pile.
Embers is a great UF book filled with emotional turmoil, a character that is richly developed (but not complete which hopefully means we will get to see plenty of character growth in the upcoming books) and the world building is solid. The minor characters are great story supporters and I really look forward to reading more of this series.
One thing I really enjoyed about Embers other than the gritty story line and complex characters, is that the author got Detroit and the underlying turmoil that is currently running through many areas in Michigan. She addressed the depression, the emotion, the energy that runs through the areas around here. The economic crisis, the old and new butting heads while trying to blend together even though the odds are stacked against it. She also gets that Detroiters (and Michigan people in general) are tough. It was great reading a story set in practically in my own backyard.
Embers is exactly what I was hoping it would be–just a killer debut urban fantasy. I connected with the characters immediately, but almost as importantly, I connected with the setting. My favorite urban fantasy series feature a place that is as much of a character as the supes and beasties that call it home. And I absolutely loved Bickle’s burning Detroit, a city on the verge of consuming itself. A city, as Anya bleakly observes, that no sane person would want to stay in, but that she can’t help but hope some will. Someone with the vision to reinvest and rebuild in the future of both the city and the isolated residents who walk its dying streets. The narrative is dotted with very real glimpses into the gritty lives of everyday people on the streets. These are thrown into relief by the side-by-side depictions we get of those other everyday people who died and are lingering for whatever reason. The effect is at once thoughtful and haunting. As for Anya, she’s my kind of heroine. She fights the good fight every single day, despite her doubts and uncertainty, despite her fragmented history, despite the very real ghosts that plague her. Luckily, she has one of the best sidekicks I’ve run across in awhile. A salamander protector–brilliant! Sparky solidifies into the torque she wears around her neck night and day, though he loves nothing more than to slither into corporeal form to chase ghosts with Anya and play with any electrical source he can find. Their relationship is sweet and funny as Sparky is the one being she’s never without. I enjoyed all the secondary characters as well, particularly the refreshingly normal (though by no means boring Brian), her good friend and organic witch/baker Katie, and the dark man behind the recent reign of fire himself. This is a dark, serious, and intense read and I was especially satisfied with the resolution. This is the first in a series and yet Ms. Bickle happily resisted the temptation to leave a million and a half plot threads hanging. There are several directions the next book could take, of course, but I finished Embers satisfied and I can’t thank her enough for that. A fantastic new urban fantasy and highly recommended. I can’t wait for Sparks, which is due out the end of August.
Not to be trite, but Embers by Laura Bickle smolders with urban fantasy originality and suppressed emotional turmoil. With each turn of the page, Bickle sucked me deeper into the heated world of inner city Detroit and held no punches regarding a city that is on the brink of collapse. Bickle exploits everything that makes a good urban fantasy in Embers. A tragically haunted main character that is tough as nails, yet close to breaking because of emotional strain. A background urban setting that sets the tone of the novel.
An originally crafted plot that sets itself apart from all the other vampire and werewolf stories that are jostling each other for recognition. A simmering romance that isn’t the main focus, but is touched on just enough to build tension. I was highly impressed with Bickle’s debut and was very excited to read this book, I’m glad it lived up to the hype –and was chosen as a [Blog With Bite] adult selection….
A superb example of the Urban Fantasy genre, Embers is an easy and entertaining adult read. Prime for fans of the UF genre and a great starter for those that would love to jump into this genre. If you can’t tell, I really liked this one… RECOMMENDATIONS: Urban fantasy lovers and starters, go for it, a great read. It is an adult selection. There are some hot scenes, but nothing graphically explicit.
Plot: 5 Stars
Embers is a hot debut novel for Laura Bickle.Originally I had no intention of reading Embers. I’m a little burned out from Urban Fantasies, at least starting new series, and had resolved to take a break. Best laid plans and such found me buying Embers and then reading it in relatively quick order.
The tone of the novel was much darker than I expected, exploring several deeper emotions such as lust, guilt and personal responsibility in slightly uncomfortable ways (for me at least). Anya is a conflicted young woman with deeply rooted guilt issues and a problem with forming personal connections, not particularly uncommon in today’s UF heroines, but Bickle takes it a step forward with Anya’s growing fear that one unwary step will burn her life down. Uncertain about the exact nature of her power as a Lantern (spirits are attracted to her like a moth to flame and she has the power to devour them, burning them to nothingness), Anya fights her nature. Meeting the firebug with an oddly do-gooder mentality, confirms her worst fears, but also opens her up to exploring who and what she could be.
The cast surrounding Anya, both supernatural and otherwise, all have distinct personalities. Sparky, her ‘hellbender’ elemental protectors; Brian, tech geek who cares for her; Katie, organic baker by day, witch by night; Ciro, demonologist and one tough old man; Jules, group leader and fond of slapping Mike upside the head; Mike, the newbie on the crew with a whole lot of enthusiasm and then Captain Marsh, her boss at the Fire department. The firebug, who becomes more important for a variety of reasons as the story goes on, was oddly appealing….
Book 2, Sparks, is due out at the end of August though there isn’t a whole lot out about what it will be about and the end of Embers gives nothing away to give us clues. I am however looking forward to it and have great anticipation for Laura Bickle’s alter-ego, Alayna Williams’s debut UF Dark Oracle due out in June!
Embers takes the reader on a fast-paced, page-turning adventure, as Anya, Sparky, and DAGR race to save Detroit–and Anya herself–from demons and ancient gods. Bickle has written a fantastically believable world that a reader can get lost in. Embers, is hands down, bar none, the best Urban Fantasy written by a debut author, hell, written by anyone, that I have read in a very long time. I look forward to reading more about Anya and Sparky and the mishmash of others that complete DAGR in Bickle’s next release Sparks.
Bickle evokes the decay and aura of sadness surrounding Detroit, yet also infuses her depiction with an air of hope, personified by the character of Anya who never gives up. Feeling guilt over a childhood action that impacts the rest of her life, coupled with her unusual ability, Anya has difficulty forming strong attachments to others. Even though she does not understand why she has the talent or what it means, Anya believes she knows her place within DAGR, “Her role was inescapable: to bat clean-up, to be the garbage disposal for lost souls”. In spite of recognizing the necessity of her actions, Anya never really feels comfortable performing this duty, which leads to self-doubt and an increased sense of isolation. The author magically transforms the unseen creatures and spirits into beings easily perceived and envisioned by the reader, skillfully juxtaposing the characters who can and those who cannot see Sparky and the ghosts. With vivid characterization, stark imagery, and true suspense keeping the reader guessing until the end, this outstanding novel hits all the right notes. Urban fantasy fans will welcome this new addition to the genre…(5 stars/tombstones)
Finally, I was both surprised and jubilant with the ending. Many books, especially within the Urban Fantasy genre, conjure a lot of build up between the protagonists and antagonists only to have a lackluster finish. This is not the case with EMBERS. Not only are you shocked but you're left, not with a cliffhanger, but rather on the precipice of Anya's jumping off point into the abilities she's yet to unleash from within herself. Trust me, you'll want to read it twice.
Capital Area District Library (Lansing, MI):
This is a surprisingly original urban fantasy introducing Anya Kalinczyk a Detroit arson investigator whose evening job, working with a group of ghost hunters, is starting to invade her work for the Detroit Fire Department. Her latest case is a string of fires that feature only one connection—a mysterious symbol on the floor of each building. Suspecting a supernatural connection she finds herself enlisting her team and the ghosts of Detroit to help. Part mystery and part demon-summoning horror this has an interesting take on Detroit, a fascinating mythology, characters I want to know more about, and a scene stealing elemental salamander named Sparky. I’m looking forward to the sequel Sparks, due out in late Aug 2010. Fans of Kat Richardson ( Greywalker), Patricia Briggs ( Moon Called), and Rob Thurman (Trick of the Light) should check this out.
"Anna Kalinczyk [is] a down to earth person, who just happens to be a Lantern, a rare kind of psychic medium. But she's completely cool -- she's not unearthly beautiful, impossibly smart, and just too amazing to be real; she's a real person who just happens to be a Lantern. I really appreciated that Laura Bickle wrote Anna to be this way; she's not too perfect, and that's what makes her a great character. Bickle also created a really interesting story here, where there is a real-life setting, completely with some real-life situations, mixed in with the magical. There's just enough of both elements to make the story gritty and intriguing, and somehow, pretty believable...All in all, a good read."
Fantasy Literature Review:
In her debut novel, Laura Bickle introduces us to Anya Kalinczyk, a woman as troubled as her home city of Detroit…Bickle incorporates mythology in a really interesting way, mostly Babylonian but with a nifty tie-in to a famous Native American monument. I don’t quite “buy” what happens with the villain at the end, but for the most part, this strand of the plot is great. Together with the wonderful character of Sparky, the investigation makes Embers a compelling read… Embers is worth reading…I will definitely be checking out the next book in this series, Sparks.
…WOW!! I was beyond impressed and am totally hooked on this series now…. I am obviously no expert in how fire and arson investigators work, on how a fire progresses, or on elementals, but I was completely impressed with how knowledgable this author came across in her descriptions. That it was believable was my overall impression after reading Embers. I loved the Devil’s Night in Detroit setting, it reminded me of how much I enjoyed a similar setting in the original Crow movie starring Brandon Lee. Anya’s familiar, Sparky, is a loveable scamp who I’m looking forward to reading about again! The Ghost Hunter crew is a great group made up of richly detailed eccentric and charismatic individuals. And last, but not least, we come to Anya… she’s a wonderfully written character who’s a whirlwind of strength, vulnerability, unique, conflicted, loyal and brave. I have three words for this book… I WANT MORE! (Five Fangs)
The characters were intriguing, the storyline felt fresh and fast paced and there were some twists in the story even I was shocked to read and had me flipping the pages to see what would happen next….EMBERS is a wonderfully fast paced story that draws you in and keeps you enthralled till the very end. I read this book within a matter of hours and wanted to know more when the last page was read. Ms. Bickle is one author I am going to have to check out in the future. I can not wait for more Anya stories in the future. I just hope Ms. Bickle doesn’t keep us waiting too long for her next installment. EMBERS is a sheer joyride from start to finish. Run-don’t walk-to grab this newest debut from an author that will leave you breathless. (4 Hearts)
This was an interesting new sort of paranormal. Anya works as an arson investigator for the fire department and learns that a series of fires are being started magically by someone who wants to raise a dragon-sort of demon to cleanse the city of Detroit by burning it up and sacrificing the inhabitants. Anya works with her elemental Sparky and a number of her fellow paranormal investigator colleagues to capture the man trying to raise the demon…My favorite parts of the book were those showing her relationship with Sparky. He is a combination pet and protector. Only Anya, ghosts, and cats and dogs can see him…I recommend this book to lovers of the paranormal who want to read about interesting characters and a new paranormal talent.
Embers is a unique and assured debut from Laura Bickle, capturing the heart and soul of its setting, Detroit, and giving us a fascinating protagonist in Anya. Not to mention an adorable sidekick in the form of Sparky, Anya’s salamander familiar. A strong supporting cast helps create a sense of community and friendship in the novel - as much as Anya tries to shut herself away, there’s always someone there to bring her out of her self-imposed exile. And that’s one of the nice things about this novel: Anya isn’t afraid to admit when she needs help, nor does she hesitate to ask for it. That’s a trait you don’t see much in urban fantasy, where the emphasis is often on the lone-gunman type character. It was refreshing to see a protagonist who’s aware of her strengths and limitations, and plays to them accordingly….I’d recommend this book unreservedly to anyone - not just genre fans, but anyone who loves a well-crafted novel. I hope there are plenty more adventures for Anya and Sparky in the future!
Bookaholics Romance Book Club:
Bickle’s first book is a fun, fun, fun read! For once, we don’t have a super angsty, tough GI Jane. Well, Anya is tough, but not so tough like Xena. She’s likeable and we can relate to her. Even though she comes with a lot of baggage, she’s very normal still. Well, as normal as a person can be with a pet elemental. Her relationship with Sparky brings a smile to my face. Sparky, unlike other pets or familiars, aren’t snarky and/or talkative. He’s more like a dog that no one can see. Bickle was able to weave so much personality into a non-talking character. Every time I think of Sparky and his favorite toy, I can’t help but smile.
Of course, the rest of the motley crew are equally interesting. From Katie the witch to the main bad guy, everyone has so much potential. I hope Bickle can expand further on the adventures of DAGR. They all seem complement each other. Of course, it is also a relief to finally read a book without the same old plot of a tough chick who falls in love with a vampire. I think mediums and ghosts are far more interesting…and spooky. The ghosts in Bickle’s novels are all quirky and fully fleshed out. They are all interesting and none of them are flat. I find it impressive that Bickle can juggle so many characters and still move the plot in a fast, enjoyable pace. Bickle is a talented writer and even though I normally don’t read paranormal love stories, I can’t wait for her second book.
The unexpected beauty of the fiery entity, the playful malignance of the demon that inhabits Anya, and the flashes of humanity demonstrated by her enemy all enrich this book. My only complaint (and it is a small one) is that Bickle occasionally displays some of the writing flaws of a beginning autho… But overall, this is a winner, and I look forward to reading Anya’s further adventures. And her familiar Sparky is one of my new favorite paranormal creatures.
Embers is…unique, not your typical run of the mill urban fantasy….[Anya’s] relationship with her familiar Sparky is really wonderful and made me smile. I especially enjoyed Anya friendship with the baker/witch Katie who is a therapist of sort to Anya and gives her advice and a shoulder to lean on.
The first part of Embers is really wonderful with a great deal of action and suspense…The arsonist is revealed early on and isn’t the hard-core villain everyone makes him out to be. He has been wronged and feels he has no other choice with his decisions. Anya has a very touchy relationship with him that’s written in a very interesting way…
As debuts go, I would say Embers is a pretty solid read and the start of a series that I wouldn’t mind continue reading. Other then too much of an emphasis on the annoying Linda Blair Exorcist type drama, I would say that Laura Bickle is one to pay attention to, especially if you are looking for a new unique Urban Fantasy series to read.
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.
EMBERS is Fresh Fiction’s Pick of the Week:“The Fresh Pick is chosen by a group of readers and is never a purchased advertisement or promotion. We’ve chosen your book because it appeals to us and we like to share our diverse tastes in reading and hope other readers will give it a try.”
I agree - Anya is both a unique and kick-ass heroine. I cannot wait for more of her and the band of ghost hunters she reluctantly tags along with. One of the best Urban Fantasy heroines to come around in a long time, I felt Laura did an amazing job of making Anya something new in the Urban Fantasy world, but that she also made her incredibly real and honest.
A serial arsonist is targeting what seem to be random buildings in the city. Anya discovers that the crimes are ritualistic in nature, and that the perp is planning a grand finale on Devil’s Night, just two weeks away. This plotline is exceedingly well done. The investigation scenes are fascinating. The arsonist harbors utopian dreams of urban renewal, and while his methods are despicable, his motives are more complex than is usual in a villain. Bickle incorporates mythology in a really interesting way, mostly Babylonian but with a nifty tie-in to a famous Native American monument. I don’t quite “buy” what happens with the villain at the end, but for the most part, this strand of the plot is great. Together with the wonderful character of Sparky, the investigation makes Embers a compelling read.
This well-crafted, highly descriptive tale feels fresh for readers burned out on vampires and other typical paranormal creatures. Anya's familiar, Sparky, is adorable, and the characterization feels spot-on, from the impish to the menacing.
Embers, is a gritty read. It’s full of darkness and despair. Detroit is falling apart, and so is Anya’s life. Honestly, Ember’s is one of the darkest reads I’ve read in awhile. However, just because it was a dark read, didn’t mean that there weren’t parts where I laughed. Sparky, Anya’s elemental familiar, was super cute and was a very good mood lightener. Finding out who was setting the fires was fairly easy, at least for me. However figuring out why it was being done was a good mystery. Anya not only had to solve that problem, but also figure out how to move her life out of the rut it was in. They say that fire clears away to make room for growth, and for Anya that’s exactly what it did. Embers includes everything you could wish for in an Urban Fantasy book. A compelling story that picks up its pace from page to page until it culminates in a surprising and sizzling finale ...and not your typical vampire and werewolf cast, but something else entirely. Laura Bickle´s captivating debut makes you laugh with Sparky, sympathize for Anya, cheer for your favourite love interest and bite your nails at the very end. 4.5 of 5 Points from me. As Anya pursues her arsonist through the city of Detroit, she discovers more and more about the entity that has Ferrar setting fires. In the end, it will take a Lantern to stop the whole city from burning. And Anya has the job. Even if it means sacrificing her soul. This was a fun read and entertaining, a good example of the Urban Fantasy genre. There is an upcoming sequel to this called Sparks, and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Bickle has in store for her characters. I really liked this book and am excited to read more from this author. I want to read more about how being a lantern affects Anya and I want to read more about the other investigators that Anya works with...her "Scooby Doo" team that another reviewer dubbed it :) And I want more of Sparky (Anya's familiar). All in all, I just want more which is always a good thing! Embers is on fire in the smoking supernatural world of urban fantasy. Sparking to life as new author Laura Bickle’s debut novel, this hot, gritty, paranormal mystery brings originality to a genre that covets expanding creativity in the paranormal and supernatural realms. For those who enjoy reads like Demon Inside by Stacia Kane, Matters of the Blood by Maria Lima or Deadtown by Nancy Holzner, Embers is right in league with this diverse selection of comparables. (4 stars)
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Cover image © Chris McGrath for Simon & Schuster. Other images © Indianeye, Budda, & deboer152 from www.dreamstime.com . |
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