Ignite by Tricia Barr – A Book Review

Posted May 7, 2020 by Booksandblurbs in Reviews, Urban Fantasy, YA/NA / 0 Comments

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Ignite

(The Bound Ones – Book 1)

by Tricia Barr
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Urban Fantasy, YA
Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited

Down & Dirty

Ancient powers, lost souls reunited, a love across the ages… it’s all teased and tempted here, and though not quite as well done as it should be, it’s still an entertaining read, and free on Kindle Unlimited.

What is it about?

(Blurb from GoodReads)

Bound by fear, by fire, by destiny.

Phoenyx Blake has a secret. When she wakes in a dungeon with three strangers, she is forced to face it, which isn’t easy seeing as her cellmate Sebastian has starred in her dreams. As days pass, they learn they are each bound by one of the four elements and they have been abducted by an ancient society that plans to sacrifice them for powers they didn’t know they had. Can they master their elements before time runs out, or will the intense flame between Phoenyx and Sebastian extinguish before it ignites?

Thoughts on Ignite

3.5 rounded up

Interesting concept and unique execution of the tale. I really enjoyed the idea of souls, lost to time and circumstance, finding each other again and again, though the addition did feel a touch forced after meeting. Maybe a scene where the dreams were mentioned previously would have been good? Also, the way the author disclosed information for previous scenes or moments was a little rough, but still got the idea across – even if it was noticeable. I.e, overhearing a conversation, recalling information in the guise of a flashback, etc. These methods are tropes and while useful, drag the narrative.

The foundation of this story and the idea behind it is incredibly solid. In fact, this has everything an Urban Fantasy; action, adventure, magic, a touch of romance and an air of ‘what’s to come’ at the end. Yet, even with all the right ingredients, there was something missing from the recipe that leaves the plot staggering – though what that special ‘something’ is, I couldn’t say.

Pros:

Interesting Concept.
I really like the idea of reunited souls.
The elemental powers and how they present are pretty fantastic.
Allows an easy continuation of the story.

Cons:

Stilted and flat writing.
Info Dumps.

Perspective:

Third Person, Single POV

Ending Type

HFN

Rating

Romantic Dynamic

M/F

Character Age Range

19+

My Final Verdict on Ignite

With a solid foundation and intriguing ideas, this series offers much for YA Urban Fantasy Readers, though some may find parts of the tale lacking. Free on Kindle Unlimited.

Published June 5th, 2019 (may be reprint?)
277 Pages