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Darkness Chosen #4
Into the Flame
Meet Doug Black—the Wilder brother who’s been missing for centuries. With no idea of where he’s from, he’s become an angry young cop with the ability to transform into a cougar. in search of others like him, he comes across a beautiful woman who may hold the secret to his destiny...
377 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 5, 2008
About the author
Christina Dodd
136 books5,620 followers— Out now! A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…"
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
May 6, 2024
Firebird and Douglas Black’s story & the Conclusion to this Great series Paranormal suspense.
The stories of the Varinski’s might have changed over the centuries, But at the end of the day: There was a war between Good and Evil that was in the horizon and it had been set in stone for as long as any of the seer’s can remember
Even though this is Firebird and Douglas’s Reunion,,, there were some many things going on in the back ground of this book
Let me try to take you back 3 years prior, to when these two 1st met
Firebird was on the fast track in College at Brown University, she had just completed her finals in her last year of college, when she found out that she was pregnant with Douglas’s baby…….
Douglas Had showed up about four months prior to finals and he was a campus police…… Just as Firebird had her secrets about her family he did as well………
Douglas had no clue why Firebird packed up her belongings and fled the college on the night that he was planning on proposing to her and telling her, his deep dark secrets…..
I must say that Jasha introduced us to this compelling world, and each book kept me coming back for more…. Each book had its ups and downs one book was missing a piece of something and too much of another and vice versa this one had so much action in it … but the author forgot to give us the Romance Between the two main characters……….
Now as for Konstantine and Zorana, those two they show that their love for each other was all eternity, fierce, passionate, long lasting, and one would not be able to live on this earth, without the other one
I found this to be a fast-paced story with a rather good unique twist on paranormal romance…………. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Lil ancient, Lil dark evil twist to their paranormal reads……… Happy Reading, and I’ll see you on the other side ……. And thank you very much my dear friend for lending me your books
October 3, 2008
Wow, I was pretty disappointed with this book. The "romance" between Firebird and Doug was not fleshed out at all. I am not a fan of reunion romances where we miss the initial meeting and falling in love. The book didn't give us very much information about the time they dated, all I really knew was that they dated for a bit then she left him while she was pregnant. Christina Dodd always has inconsistencies in her stories but if I am enjoying the writing, I can overlook them enough to still like the story. Not the case here. Doug supposedly became a cop at the rip old age of 16 using a fake ID. Because cops wouldn't know a fake ID would they? Then he supposedly was this superstar cop because he could use his feline senses but he was a campus cop? Just ridiculous. The whole story was pretty ridiculous. I am glad the curse was broken, but seriously, no 2-year-old can talk that well or is that smart. What was the deal with Firebird walking through fire? There was no explanation for that. This book is one step away from a wall-banger, I am feeling generous today. The only good book out of this entire series was Into the Darkness and even that one had ridiculous inconsistencies. The first book wasn't bad and the second was pretty boring. Sorry Christina Dodd but I was hoping for a better written story, more detailed paranormal elements and better world-building. Oh yeah and I was hoping the story made sense!
August 18, 2010
Connections and family and paranormal suspense. Great series.
August 12, 2008
Huh. I give "Into the Flame" by Christina Dodd 3 stars because it's the end of her 4 book series about the Wilder/Varinski family. But I was really disappointed. I'm always willing to suspend reality, but to me this book just felt...cheesy.
Firebird is the only daughter born to the fierce Wilder family. They've always considered her their miracle, even when she returned home broken in spirit and pregnant, they stood by their daughter/sister. At the end of the last book, we found out that Firebird is NOT really a Wilder. This last book is the story of Firebird and the missing Wilder son, who turns out to be her child's father.
Doug is a cop who has always searched for his family. Falling in love with Firebird wasn't in his plans. When she disappears without a word, he searches for her frantically. His searches bring him into contact with the Varinskis who convince him to join their search for the Wilders. The battle between the Wilders and Varinskis will either bring about eternal damnation, or break a pact with Satan that's lasted for 1000 years.
I really loved the first book in this series, "Scent of Darkness". I even liked, "Touch of Darkness". I thought "Into the Shadow" was kinda cool and the sex was way hot. But with "Into the Flame", I felt like alot of the story was rather choppy...as if large sections were edited out and those missing pieces left me confused at times. And I never really 'felt' the connection and love between Firebird and Doug.
So read the book if you've read the rest of em. If you haven't read the rest of 'em, don't read this one or you'll just be massively confused.
Firebird is the only daughter born to the fierce Wilder family. They've always considered her their miracle, even when she returned home broken in spirit and pregnant, they stood by their daughter/sister. At the end of the last book, we found out that Firebird is NOT really a Wilder. This last book is the story of Firebird and the missing Wilder son, who turns out to be her child's father.
Doug is a cop who has always searched for his family. Falling in love with Firebird wasn't in his plans. When she disappears without a word, he searches for her frantically. His searches bring him into contact with the Varinskis who convince him to join their search for the Wilders. The battle between the Wilders and Varinskis will either bring about eternal damnation, or break a pact with Satan that's lasted for 1000 years.
I really loved the first book in this series, "Scent of Darkness". I even liked, "Touch of Darkness". I thought "Into the Shadow" was kinda cool and the sex was way hot. But with "Into the Flame", I felt like alot of the story was rather choppy...as if large sections were edited out and those missing pieces left me confused at times. And I never really 'felt' the connection and love between Firebird and Doug.
So read the book if you've read the rest of em. If you haven't read the rest of 'em, don't read this one or you'll just be massively confused.
January 30, 2017
This was a really great series, I've enjoyed the whole thing. Of course with "Into the Flame" and with the cliffhanger of "Into the Shadow". You knew how certain parts were going to play out. But other than that, it was pretty epic. With lots of feeling, lots of action, there wasn't a whole lot of sex scenes in this one, but the love you felt from the Wilders you felt through this whole book, made up for the loss of the steamy scenes. This book was the conclusion of the 4 book series. I felt it did the series justice. Ending it with a glorious battle, and an everdearing ending which of course just makes you sigh with happiness and relief. I'm going to miss the Wilder family and their family togetherness, and their adventures.
March 1, 2021
Fun, gripping and fast. This is great for reading anytime, although you may lose some time. This was written well, has emotions, suspense, action, bantering, interesting characters and personalities, steaminess and a good ending. I can't wait to read more in this series. Another good series from this author. Enjoy!
August 18, 2022
I enjoyed the way this series ended. It was a different series from anything I’ve ever read. My friend recommended it to me, and I look forward to reading more of her book recs!
January 20, 2009
I am sure I will be in the minority but I was really disappointed in this book and I was really unhappy since it is the end of a series.
To begin with there were just so many pot holes in the story but that aside the I think that CD forgot she had two main characters to develop.
While her writing is always good it just had to many multiple plots IMO she should have written this book as she did the others and then had a follow up book for the "war" or fight scene. I really wanted to get Firebird & Douglass I wanted to see how she would change and how he would change and in the end I got short changed. I got a fight scene that goes on for far to long, main characters that went no where and I was left with questions and far to many assumptions.
If you decide to read this book read it only because you want to know how the story ends. IMO this is the worst of the series and just disappointing.
To begin with there were just so many pot holes in the story but that aside the I think that CD forgot she had two main characters to develop.
While her writing is always good it just had to many multiple plots IMO she should have written this book as she did the others and then had a follow up book for the "war" or fight scene. I really wanted to get Firebird & Douglass I wanted to see how she would change and how he would change and in the end I got short changed. I got a fight scene that goes on for far to long, main characters that went no where and I was left with questions and far to many assumptions.
If you decide to read this book read it only because you want to know how the story ends. IMO this is the worst of the series and just disappointing.
May 7, 2010
It was a nice end to the series. I must admit that the plot in this one was better developed than in the previous ones. We have a much interesting enemy to confront and the action is so much better. But when it came to romance, not so good. There was actually very little of it, although you may not even realize it because the hero and the heroine knew each other from before, so you almost don't even feel it.
I liked this series. In an overall, it was a solid 4 stars. A nice read if you don't know what to read next. But If you have too many books on your TBR pile, don't fret, this is a series that can wait. Just a good series, but nothing like "you have to run to your library right now" stuff.
I liked this series. In an overall, it was a solid 4 stars. A nice read if you don't know what to read next. But If you have too many books on your TBR pile, don't fret, this is a series that can wait. Just a good series, but nothing like "you have to run to your library right now" stuff.
July 20, 2014
Each of the books has a mystery of its own as well as the long arc story and this one was hinted at at the very end of the first book. Once more romance finds a way and the last piece of the puzzle - and the prophecy - falls into place (after much hard work on all parts) and the family stands strong. I enjoyed the story and loved the family.
September 15, 2008
This book was a great end to a series that I enjoyed very much. I enjoyed the family camaraderie and love, the battle between good and evil, and the supernatural elements. I appreciate that Dodd does not artificially prolong things yet still keeps you in suspense.
May 7, 2012
"Meet Doug Black—the Wilder brother who’s been missing for centuries. With no idea of where he’s from, he’s become an angry young cop with the ability to transform into a cougar. in search of others like him, he comes across a beautiful woman who may hold the secret to his destiny..."
August 14, 2019
Adrick is home with the third icon. But what about the fourth? The prophesy said there was another son but Firebird is definitely not a boy. Could it be wrong. As truth comes to light, the family discovers betrayal in an old friend and mentor.
May 15, 2020
This was a great ending to the series. We finally found out who Firebird's baby daddy was and twist of all twists you have to read this one to find out who he is. I recommend reading this series in order but if you don't they are all great on their own.
January 22, 2014
fourth (and im assuming final) in the series - very good. huge drama at the end. a pageturner.
October 25, 2015
I read this awhile ago but I never rated it on here. Fabulous series!
January 7, 2017
Great ending to the series!
September 22, 2021
Loved it! Just my kind of story...from the very start, I was hooked. Perfect end to a pretty much perfect series.
September 21, 2008
Finally the last book in Christina Dodd’s Darkness Chosen series, Into the Flame lives up to its title! We have followed the prophecy and the growing evil of the Varinski’s and the growing illness of Konstantine hoping that the curse will be broken in time. It seems to have come down to the last son – but that means Firebird isn’t who she or her family believed her to be. What does this mean for the curse, how will they find the last piece of the icon?
It is a nightmare that Firebird can not wake from – her whole life has been false, the family she believed to be hers is not and worse she thinks she knows who is the rightful fourth child of the Wilder family. It will take all the courage that she possesses to find out the truth and hopefully bring an end to the curse.
Doug Black never understood why Firebird ran from him but he’s been searching ever since. He believes that is one of the evil Varanski clan but has no idea what that really means. Somehow he has dug himself into a hole and the only way out may be his death.
A smashing conclusion to this series, Into the Flame, delivers big time. Like a roller coaster ride, Ms. Dodd serves up Into the Flame one traumatic, desperate piece at a time. You will be quickly immersed in this last installment of the series – with so many loose ends to tie up you won’t be able to put this down until you’ve turned the last page.
It is a nightmare that Firebird can not wake from – her whole life has been false, the family she believed to be hers is not and worse she thinks she knows who is the rightful fourth child of the Wilder family. It will take all the courage that she possesses to find out the truth and hopefully bring an end to the curse.
Doug Black never understood why Firebird ran from him but he’s been searching ever since. He believes that is one of the evil Varanski clan but has no idea what that really means. Somehow he has dug himself into a hole and the only way out may be his death.
A smashing conclusion to this series, Into the Flame, delivers big time. Like a roller coaster ride, Ms. Dodd serves up Into the Flame one traumatic, desperate piece at a time. You will be quickly immersed in this last installment of the series – with so many loose ends to tie up you won’t be able to put this down until you’ve turned the last page.
July 8, 2013
"Molti anni fa, Zorana, mi hai salvato da me stesso. Ovunque mi porterà il mio destino, ti amerò per l'eternità in questo o nell'altro mondo."
Siamo arrivati all'ultimo capitolo della lotta tra il Bene e il Male, la battaglia ormai infuria e solo le sacre icone della profezia possono portare la salvezza. Il terzo volume si era chiuso con una notizia shock: Firebird, la piccola di casa, l'unica femmina, il miracolo della famiglia...non è una di loro. L'incredulità, la rabbia e il dolore del tradimento si insinuano nella famiglia, eppure il piccolo Aleksandr, suo figlio, non solo somiglia straordinariamente al resto della famiglia ma già manifesta i sensi sviluppati di un futuro predatore. E' arrivato il momento per Firebird di fare i conti con il suo passato e di riunirsi al misterioso padre di suo figlio, l'unica speranza della sua famiglia per recuperare l'ultima icona. La storia tra Firebird e Douglas è per forza di cose un po sacrificata dai molti eventi che accompagnano la battaglia finale e il compimento della profezia. Il finale è un pò affrettato per i miei gusti, avrei voluto vedere la successiva generazione XD Questa serie è partita un po' in sordina ed è migliorata volume dopo volume, le coppie che si sono formate e sopratutto il grande amore che unisce Konstantine alla sua Zorana ha concluso con la promessa del paradiso il sentiero del Diavolo! Alla fin fine sono soddisfatta di questo bel lieto fine ;D
Siamo arrivati all'ultimo capitolo della lotta tra il Bene e il Male, la battaglia ormai infuria e solo le sacre icone della profezia possono portare la salvezza. Il terzo volume si era chiuso con una notizia shock: Firebird, la piccola di casa, l'unica femmina, il miracolo della famiglia...non è una di loro. L'incredulità, la rabbia e il dolore del tradimento si insinuano nella famiglia, eppure il piccolo Aleksandr, suo figlio, non solo somiglia straordinariamente al resto della famiglia ma già manifesta i sensi sviluppati di un futuro predatore. E' arrivato il momento per Firebird di fare i conti con il suo passato e di riunirsi al misterioso padre di suo figlio, l'unica speranza della sua famiglia per recuperare l'ultima icona. La storia tra Firebird e Douglas è per forza di cose un po sacrificata dai molti eventi che accompagnano la battaglia finale e il compimento della profezia. Il finale è un pò affrettato per i miei gusti, avrei voluto vedere la successiva generazione XD Questa serie è partita un po' in sordina ed è migliorata volume dopo volume, le coppie che si sono formate e sopratutto il grande amore che unisce Konstantine alla sua Zorana ha concluso con la promessa del paradiso il sentiero del Diavolo! Alla fin fine sono soddisfatta di questo bel lieto fine ;D
September 10, 2009
This is the last book in the series. On one hand I was disappointed by this story…the actual story between the two individuals didn’t draw me in, in a believable manner, or enticing manner I guess. On the flip side, the side of the series being brought to a closure…I loved it. there was action and drama and things really worked out well.
I do have one complaint for the series as a whole that is totally a personal choice…and I’m warning you right here, don’t read further as one might consider this a spoiler: the fact that they all lose their abilities makes total sense in the whole picture of how things are set up. But personally, I think that changes who these heros are and I would have liked her(Christina) to have found a way to make it so they kept their abilities without the curse. But that’s just me.
As a whole I totally recommend the series. My favorite was book 2. The first two books I’d actually borrowed from the library but loved book 2 in particular so much, went out and bought it.
I do have one complaint for the series as a whole that is totally a personal choice…and I’m warning you right here, don’t read further as one might consider this a spoiler: the fact that they all lose their abilities makes total sense in the whole picture of how things are set up. But personally, I think that changes who these heros are and I would have liked her(Christina) to have found a way to make it so they kept their abilities without the curse. But that’s just me.
As a whole I totally recommend the series. My favorite was book 2. The first two books I’d actually borrowed from the library but loved book 2 in particular so much, went out and bought it.
December 29, 2010
This was the last book of a 4 book series. I really enjoyed all four books and this book gave a nice finishing touch to the series. Of course I always seem to want more -- even when a series finishes.
The series takes a different approach to were-shifters. Won't go into it too much since it would spoil reading the books for yourself, but I will say that I enjoyed the author's take on animal shifters. It was a refreshing change and I enjoyed the suspense, action, and adult romance that filled every book.
The books are fast easy reads, but not so simplistic that you are bored. Each book prepares you for the next in the series -- so I would recommend reading them in order. The transition between books is all but seamless. Would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes paranormal romance with a lot of action thrown in.
The series takes a different approach to were-shifters. Won't go into it too much since it would spoil reading the books for yourself, but I will say that I enjoyed the author's take on animal shifters. It was a refreshing change and I enjoyed the suspense, action, and adult romance that filled every book.
The books are fast easy reads, but not so simplistic that you are bored. Each book prepares you for the next in the series -- so I would recommend reading them in order. The transition between books is all but seamless. Would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes paranormal romance with a lot of action thrown in.
April 12, 2021
The story is still as fantastic as the first time I read it. The only thing that hasn't stood the test of time is the mention of some outdated technology. I really need to go back and re-read the other three books as well. It's been a while since I've read any of Christina Dodd's newer releases, but re-reading some of her older releases has reminded me of how talented she is and that just because she's not writing romances anymore, doesn't mean her writing style has changed.
I absolutely loved the concept behind this series and I think it's quite unique. The execution is wonderful as well.
I absolutely loved the concept behind this series and I think it's quite unique. The execution is wonderful as well.
February 28, 2012
Interesting twist in this book. Overall happy with the overall history of the family and how they work together to beat the villains. While I adore Firebird...she is just likable to me! Doug is just kind blah but that is sort of his character style. He is the straight and narrow type. Otherwise this is a wonderful series so sad it had to come to an end.
July 22, 2017
The best one of the series. No rapey sex scenes. Explains everything. Just read this book.
November 28, 2017
Confesso di non sapere cosa fosse un coguaro, ho scoperto che è un leone di montagna.
Anche quest'ultimo libro della serie non mi ha entusiasmata per niente; alla fine tutti si riuniscono e pensavo almeno di provare qualche emozione in quel momento e invece no, mi sono solo annoiata,infatti ci ho messo tantissimo a leggerlo.
Peccato perché l'idea di uomini felini,falchi e rettili poteva essere sfruttata molto meglio,pur trattandosi sempre di romance,per non parlare del patto col diavolo ripetuto all'infinito nei discorsi.
Non consiglio per niente questa serie.
Anche quest'ultimo libro della serie non mi ha entusiasmata per niente; alla fine tutti si riuniscono e pensavo almeno di provare qualche emozione in quel momento e invece no, mi sono solo annoiata,infatti ci ho messo tantissimo a leggerlo.
Peccato perché l'idea di uomini felini,falchi e rettili poteva essere sfruttata molto meglio,pur trattandosi sempre di romance,per non parlare del patto col diavolo ripetuto all'infinito nei discorsi.
Non consiglio per niente questa serie.
June 27, 2018
Really, really, really shallow plotting and bland characters.
February 10, 2009
On the night Firebird Wilder learns she isn't a true Wilder (at least in blood), something stalks her family's ranch. The scent investigation by her brothers doesn't exclude a Varinski, but deep down Firebird knows who paid her family a visit.
State patrolman Douglas Wilder is determined to find his birth family who's abandoned him in the desert at his birth, leaving him to die. The family who's passed onto him the terrible gift of being able to turn into a cougar at will.
His search is temporarily detained by the sudden appearance of his former lover, the girl who left without an explanation three years ago. Firebird has a secret she can no longer keep, three years ago, Douglas has fathered a son, but the night she planned to tell him, she saw him change and fled for her life.
After the news of her true heritage, she knows she's made a terrible mistake and is determined to right wrongs committed by her and by whomever tore the true Wilder son from his family.
But she isn't the only one keeping secrets and Doug's could be the most deadly of them all.
This book heralded the time of reckoning. The back story was heart wrenching, the peril palpable, the final battle wonderfully drawn, yet I couldn't help but feel there was something missing...This was definitely the weakest book in the series.
As with the first book in the series - Scent of Darkness - there was no *real* feeling between the two leads. Sure, lots of nice, sweet words and inner monologues about their feelings and betrayal yadda yadda, yet I didn't *feel* it. I'm all for second-chance-at-love, yet Firebird and Doug were a little too cold to make it believable.
The only time the emotion was real was when Firebird discovered Doug's (other) secret. Doug on the other hand was a little cold throughout the story. One again it was explained by his childhood and youth as an abandoned child, but still, I wasn't convinced.
Also the two were pretty bland compared to the couples from the previous books, the tidbit about Doug working as a cop at such a nearly age (16) was iffy, and the Varinskis have lost a little of their demented charm in this installment, yet the final battle was still amazing.
Even the final confrontation and resolution between Doug and Firebird, which should've been...I don't know...great was lacking, so the only reason this book even got such a high rating was for the older Wilder brothers (they're always a hoot to read - grownup men acting like complete idiots), their wives/mates, and of course Zorana and Konstantine.
It was lovely how the whole story came full circle and ended where it began - with Konstantine and Zorana happy and in love.
State patrolman Douglas Wilder is determined to find his birth family who's abandoned him in the desert at his birth, leaving him to die. The family who's passed onto him the terrible gift of being able to turn into a cougar at will.
His search is temporarily detained by the sudden appearance of his former lover, the girl who left without an explanation three years ago. Firebird has a secret she can no longer keep, three years ago, Douglas has fathered a son, but the night she planned to tell him, she saw him change and fled for her life.
After the news of her true heritage, she knows she's made a terrible mistake and is determined to right wrongs committed by her and by whomever tore the true Wilder son from his family.
But she isn't the only one keeping secrets and Doug's could be the most deadly of them all.
This book heralded the time of reckoning. The back story was heart wrenching, the peril palpable, the final battle wonderfully drawn, yet I couldn't help but feel there was something missing...This was definitely the weakest book in the series.
As with the first book in the series - Scent of Darkness - there was no *real* feeling between the two leads. Sure, lots of nice, sweet words and inner monologues about their feelings and betrayal yadda yadda, yet I didn't *feel* it. I'm all for second-chance-at-love, yet Firebird and Doug were a little too cold to make it believable.
The only time the emotion was real was when Firebird discovered Doug's (other) secret. Doug on the other hand was a little cold throughout the story. One again it was explained by his childhood and youth as an abandoned child, but still, I wasn't convinced.
Also the two were pretty bland compared to the couples from the previous books, the tidbit about Doug working as a cop at such a nearly age (16) was iffy, and the Varinskis have lost a little of their demented charm in this installment, yet the final battle was still amazing.
Even the final confrontation and resolution between Doug and Firebird, which should've been...I don't know...great was lacking, so the only reason this book even got such a high rating was for the older Wilder brothers (they're always a hoot to read - grownup men acting like complete idiots), their wives/mates, and of course Zorana and Konstantine.
It was lovely how the whole story came full circle and ended where it began - with Konstantine and Zorana happy and in love.
October 27, 2010
The fourth book of Darkness Chosen.
Firebird Wilder, the youngest child of Konstantine Wilder and Zorana Wilder, is a normal girl and meet Douglas Black while she was finishing her college degree. They dated and fell in love, but one night Firebird saw a golden cougar who transformed into a man, Douglas. She fled from Douglas upon discovering his secret and conclude he was a Varinski (an evil group who wants to kill her family so as not to complete the four icons of the blessed Virgin Mary). She discovered that she is pregnant but unable to tell Douglas about it. After two years, her child Aleksandr, has grown and needs a father, she also found out that she is not the true daughter of Konstantine and Zorana. She has suspicions that Douglas might be the true son of Konstantine and Zorana. She decided to tell Douglas about his true parentage and his son, Aleksandr. They meet again and fell in love all over again. Meanwhile her three brothers (Jasha, Rurik and Adrik), Konstantine and Jackson plot their war against the Varinski. Vadim Varinski's group tried to kidnapped Firebird but she and Douglas escaped by jumping through a cliff, they end up in the sea. Douglas rescued Firebird from drowning and found the missing fourth icon. Douglas who plotted with Vadim, to locate the Wilder's home changed his mind and decided to help Firebird but did not tell her about his association with the Varinski's. Douglas went to Vadim and told him that he has given the fourth icon to the Wilders, the Varinski's tortured him and later was rescured by Adrik. Rurik picked up Firebird and headed home upon learning that Douglas has betrayed her and his family. As the war started between Wilder and the Varinski, the people of Zorana (Gypsies) helped the Wilders. Firebird then arrived and went into their house to take refuged from the war outside. Her child, Aleksandr solved the puzzle of all four icons by placing the purity stone in the center, with all the pieces intact, the Varinski's and Wilder's are now in human form because the pact with the devil has been broken. The Wilder's has won the battle but Firebird and Aleksandr was trapped within the burning house, Douglas was devastated by the loss. Miracle of miracles, Firebird and Aleksandr survived the fire, which leads to wonder and rejoicing from the Wilder's and the gypsies. The Wilder family moves forward into the future and make plans to built a new house to accommodate the whole family.
"I love this story, Christina Dodd weaves a spellbinding story between the Wilders and Varinskis. The Wilder family is unique and their bond is quite endearing."
Firebird Wilder, the youngest child of Konstantine Wilder and Zorana Wilder, is a normal girl and meet Douglas Black while she was finishing her college degree. They dated and fell in love, but one night Firebird saw a golden cougar who transformed into a man, Douglas. She fled from Douglas upon discovering his secret and conclude he was a Varinski (an evil group who wants to kill her family so as not to complete the four icons of the blessed Virgin Mary). She discovered that she is pregnant but unable to tell Douglas about it. After two years, her child Aleksandr, has grown and needs a father, she also found out that she is not the true daughter of Konstantine and Zorana. She has suspicions that Douglas might be the true son of Konstantine and Zorana. She decided to tell Douglas about his true parentage and his son, Aleksandr. They meet again and fell in love all over again. Meanwhile her three brothers (Jasha, Rurik and Adrik), Konstantine and Jackson plot their war against the Varinski. Vadim Varinski's group tried to kidnapped Firebird but she and Douglas escaped by jumping through a cliff, they end up in the sea. Douglas rescued Firebird from drowning and found the missing fourth icon. Douglas who plotted with Vadim, to locate the Wilder's home changed his mind and decided to help Firebird but did not tell her about his association with the Varinski's. Douglas went to Vadim and told him that he has given the fourth icon to the Wilders, the Varinski's tortured him and later was rescured by Adrik. Rurik picked up Firebird and headed home upon learning that Douglas has betrayed her and his family. As the war started between Wilder and the Varinski, the people of Zorana (Gypsies) helped the Wilders. Firebird then arrived and went into their house to take refuged from the war outside. Her child, Aleksandr solved the puzzle of all four icons by placing the purity stone in the center, with all the pieces intact, the Varinski's and Wilder's are now in human form because the pact with the devil has been broken. The Wilder's has won the battle but Firebird and Aleksandr was trapped within the burning house, Douglas was devastated by the loss. Miracle of miracles, Firebird and Aleksandr survived the fire, which leads to wonder and rejoicing from the Wilder's and the gypsies. The Wilder family moves forward into the future and make plans to built a new house to accommodate the whole family.
"I love this story, Christina Dodd weaves a spellbinding story between the Wilders and Varinskis. The Wilder family is unique and their bond is quite endearing."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2010
Into the Flame is the fourth and final book in Christina Dodd’s Darkness Chosen series. This is the story of Firebird Wilder and the conclusion to the war between the Varinskis and the Wilders. There are four Wilder children, three sons and one daughter, Firebird. The sons’ stories are the first three books and Firebird’s is the fourth. Firebird met Doug Black when she was in college. He was employed as a campus security man. He develops a relationship with Firebird and they fall in love with each other. She gets pregnant. The night she was going to tell him about the baby she sees him change from a cougar to a man. Instantly she suspects the worst. Without ever seeing him again she runs home to her family.
Fast forward two years to the present day, when now time is running out for the Wilder family. Firebird’s father, Konstantine comes from a long line of men Varinskis who made a pact with the devil. His ancestor sold his soul to the devil in exchange for longevity, power and money. Firebird’s father is dying and unless the curse is broken, he will suffer in hell for all eternity. To break the curse each of his son’s true loves have to find one of the four pieces of his family’s ancient icon. Three icons have been found and a fourth one remains hidden.
I didn’t really care for Into the Flame. I wouldn’t say it was bad. It just wasn’t good either. Of all the books, I felt it was the weakest as far as the romance of the book was concerned. There is a lot going on in this book. On top of the complicated plot, the author chose to add in a big misunderstanding between Doug and Firebird. At this point these two have enough to worry about without adding fuel to the fire. Instead of adding angst and conflict for the characters, it distracted from the relationship. I found it frustrating. Firebird annoyed me in the fact that she would so quickly jump to conclusions about Doug. She continued to do this throughout the whole book, even up to the very end.
I found the conversations between the characters to sometimes be stilted and unrealistic, especially from the men. When one of Firebird’s brothers would talk, not for one minute did I ever believe that a man would ever really talk like that. Even some of the things Doug said felt off. I just couldn’t get into Doug and Firebird’s relationship. I was much more interested in getting rid of the curse. Into the Flame is a satisfying conclusion to the series, but the ending is ridiculously sappy.
Fast forward two years to the present day, when now time is running out for the Wilder family. Firebird’s father, Konstantine comes from a long line of men Varinskis who made a pact with the devil. His ancestor sold his soul to the devil in exchange for longevity, power and money. Firebird’s father is dying and unless the curse is broken, he will suffer in hell for all eternity. To break the curse each of his son’s true loves have to find one of the four pieces of his family’s ancient icon. Three icons have been found and a fourth one remains hidden.
I didn’t really care for Into the Flame. I wouldn’t say it was bad. It just wasn’t good either. Of all the books, I felt it was the weakest as far as the romance of the book was concerned. There is a lot going on in this book. On top of the complicated plot, the author chose to add in a big misunderstanding between Doug and Firebird. At this point these two have enough to worry about without adding fuel to the fire. Instead of adding angst and conflict for the characters, it distracted from the relationship. I found it frustrating. Firebird annoyed me in the fact that she would so quickly jump to conclusions about Doug. She continued to do this throughout the whole book, even up to the very end.
I found the conversations between the characters to sometimes be stilted and unrealistic, especially from the men. When one of Firebird’s brothers would talk, not for one minute did I ever believe that a man would ever really talk like that. Even some of the things Doug said felt off. I just couldn’t get into Doug and Firebird’s relationship. I was much more interested in getting rid of the curse. Into the Flame is a satisfying conclusion to the series, but the ending is ridiculously sappy.
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