by Lorie Lewis Ham

Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of Wicked Embers and a link to purchase it.

Wicked Embers is the second book in a new series by fantasy author Keri Arthur. The main character is a Phoenix named Emberly Pearson who is working as a PI with a fire fae named Jackson Miller.

In the first book, Fireborn, we were introduced to the Crimson Death, a plague like virus spawned from a failed government experiment to isolate the enzymes that make vampires immortal. This virus turns people into something far worse than a vampire. The first book pulls Emberly into this mystery because she worked for one of the scientists researching a cure. She, her former love Sam, and Jackson are all looking for the stolen research, in hopes of finding a cure before it’s too late. Jackson is a PI and Emberly is now his partner.

While searching for this cure, they also find their own lives in jeopardy because there are those involved who think they have some of the research. Very early in the book, they are also sidetracked when another horrible threat is uncovered in Emberly’s prophetic dreams. There is a creature that can shape shift who is on a murdering spree and Emberly seems to be the only one who can stop it. As if that weren’t enough, Emberly has to keep dealing with the love of this lifetime, Sam, who has become very cold, and it seems like it is from more than just bitterness over how their relationship ended. Emberly can sense that something is wrong with him–there is a strange darkness there.

The characters in this series are compelling and different from any I’ve ever read. Keri goes into the lore of Phoenix’s which is very interesting and complicated. While Emberly has a friendship and physical relationship with Jackson, also very important to her life is fellow Phoenix Rory, who is actually vital to her survival. They all work together in this story and it’s great! The chemistry Emberly has with both of them is a lot of fun, and I love the banter between her and Jackson.

Wicked Embers is filled with major twists and turns, action, and a different take on vampires, the villains of this series. We also get to see some different types of fae that I haven’t seen in other books. The fact that the book takes place in Australia is another thing that makes this series different.

The mystery in this story is far from over at the end of this book, and I can’t wait to see what happens next! If you enjoy urban fantasy and mystery, don’t miss Wicked Embers, but you may want to start with Fireborn, book one. I absolutely love Keri’s writing and look forward to more from her not only in this series!

To enter to win a copy of Wicked Embers, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Embers,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 19, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address.

Check out more fantasy book reviews in our fantasy and fangs section.

Use this link to purchase the book:

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.