My name is Emma Jones. I'm a typical seventeen-year-old . . . except that I can see the future. Or, at least, what might happen in the future.I've never revealed my secret to anyone. I've always tried to fly under the radar and not attract anyone's attention. But this year there are some new boys at school. There's something different about them.I have a feeling things are going to change for me this year.
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
One word... dragons. Last year I started getting into more books with dragons and I love them. All the dragon books I've read are about shifters, which are one of my favorite type of supernatural. Also love a good reverse harem so when the opportunity came up to read Flames of Truth, the first book in a paranormal romance reverse harem I was so on board.
The story centers on Emma a girl who lives in a small town, who is poor, and trying to make due, taking care of her sick father all they while trying to survive the horror show that is her high school. New people come to town, things get weird and then things get dangerous. Emma's world has been turned upside down and she is going to have to navigate her new (all be it strange) life all with the help of a few new faces.
I really enjoyed Flames of Truth, I pretty much read it in one sitting which is unusual for me but I was enjoying the story so much. The book does have the typical stereotypes, girl is beautiful but doesn't know it, she smart but poor, she is a chosen one and etc. but I was also surprise to see it didn't follow the typical reverse harem theme.
Emma goes through a lot and a lot of darker subjects are highlighted. A sick parent, a child being the parent, bullying and other adult themes. I have to admit that Emma goes through a lot more than another protagonist I have ever read about. I don't like the fact that she appear meek by letting the bullies treat her like that but I understand it because in real life bullies (most of the time) get away with doing things. While she does stand down to the bullies she realize that high school is not life and that things will get better. Another aspect of Emma is that she is so stubborn and when it comes to the guys she does hold her ground.
The guys... I think they are okay but I still need to warm up a little more to them. I think it was because this was not a "you are my mate so I love you" type of situation. Both sides of the equation had to work towards some kind of relationship and not exactly a romantic one at that. This is more of a slow burn romance, while things are tense the relationships aren't moving a break-neck speeds. I can't wait to see how the relationship between them develop in the next book.
Lets talk about plot. I enjoyed the basic story, it was able to keep my interest throughout the book and everything flowed nicely. I do wish I got a little more background to the supernatural world. I know this is the first book and that more may be revealed but I just got a basic look at the world and I would really love more details.
Overall Flames of Truth was a good reverse harem. I enjoyed the mythology, the drama, romance, mystery and Emma's internal monologue. As with all good books, some of my questions were answered but I also have a lot of unanswered questions. I need to know about Emma's back history, who did what, what actually happen to whom and so much more, plus there was a such a shocking cliffhanger at the end that I am looking forward to the next book.
