Within the Flames by Marjorie M. Liu – a Review
In addition to this long anticipated leading male, was the leading female Lyssa. Though previously unknown to the Dirk & Steele series; I found her to be a finely crafted, uniquely gifted, and yet wholly believable character. One of which only added depth, and intensified my enjoyment of this book. I loved the way M. Liu allowed us to believe we knew all of Lyssa’s secrets from jump, yet continuously showed us MORE, and surprised us around every corner. It was a joy to peel pack the many layers of this multifaceted, original (even unto the PNR genre) heroine.
Eddie and Lyssa by far embodied all that the premise of Dirk and Steele represents. Extraordinary people, with extraordinary gifts, helping those in need under the guise of a well renowned detective agency….and more. We learn so much more with each book how the past returns to haunt the future. A lesson Eddie and Lyssa understood well by the end of their harrowing journey.
The connection between this couple was instant, and tangible, yet in no way an easily formed bond. Past experiences, self doubt, and necessary detachment from the world around them–in order to ensure survival–created authentic obstacles for this relationship to overcome. However, the soul-mate aspect of this series, is a beautiful touch of whimsy that gives each couple a fighting chance, and makes the heart of the reader sigh in contentment upon their culmination.
No matter that this is now the eleventh novel I have read by this author, I still find myself shocked at, staggered by, and completely enthralled with the profound emotion which flows in the pages of each. This has never been, nor ever will be your typical romance series. This is not an author who is afraid to add backbone to her stories. Instead, M.Liu tests her characters repeatedly, and forces them to earn their HEA–compelling readers to stand up, and cheer them along the entire way.
I simply cannot get enough of the magic Marjorie M. Liu weaves, as she crafts each individual plot within this amazing story-arc. For me, Within the Flames was the most entertaining installment so far. Complete with a few old friends, the introduction of new one’s, Roland’s “expressive” and insanely humorous dialog, a well constructed mystery, suspenseful danger, pulse pounding action, and a thrilling, climatic end.
Personally, I could not have asked for more, and anxiously await where this author will take us next.
As always, this was such a wonderful review, Miranda. I have this series on top of my tbr list. Reading your review and Sandy’s makes me want to start it soon. A few people here love this series.
It is unique unto anything else being done in the PNR genre Ms. Barb. I really believe you would enjoy them. Just keep an open mind until you get used to the ebb and flow of the series….someone called them “far fetched” *looking around warily for Marcie*
More far fetched than vampires I guess……..*cough* LoL
Great review Miranda… I love Majorie Llu’s Birk and Steele series and I do have some of them (which I have read and are NOT in my TBR pile.) 😀 It is a great series and this is one I am definitely going to have to add to my books on the ipad. Thanks for the update.
You are very Welcome Mart Ann. Thank you for the compliment!
Well done Miranda–your in-depth character analysis is amazing.
*blushing* Thank you Sandy, I appreciate that very much. I loved your review as well! Glad your enjoying the books.
This is a wonderful review, Miranda. I have a question. Does this series need to be read in order?
First off, thank you for the compliment.
In response to your question, I would read this series in order Jewelz, if only for the reason that Eddie is introduced as a teenager early on, and we see him grow into the amazing man, and powerful agent he is today.
I have always personally loved literature that is wholly original, and “out of the realm of normal” but some readers may take until about the Fourth Novel or so to REALLy become hooked.
How was it that Marcie put it when she first started to read them….*snort* I loved every installment, especially the early ones with all the “original” characters. Although I enjoyed the new hero’s and heroine’s immensely….none of those in betweens can measure up to Eddie. Love the man.
Hope you enjoy them my friend!
Miranda all i can say it that you did Marjorie proud with this review , I often think with some of you ladies who do all of these review for us should be writing your own novel , I wish i could say what i’m feeling as beautifully as you and the other do. OK with that said man i loved this one to and i too have been waiting for Eddies turn and Marjorie did not let us down in the least , I can only hope the she keeps knocking them out the way she does for this is one series i would miss dearly .
Thank you so much Lori. I have been a long time fan of M. Liu, and it makes me feel so great to know that you and others think I did her work Justice. I emailed Christine Feehan years ago and asked her what SHE enjoys to read, and she sent me back MML’s name. Currently she is one of only three authors I read in the PNR genre….but honestly, I consider her work with all the fantastical beings, and many gifts, contemporary fantasy.
Oh and in regards to your wonderful compliment…..*whispering* I have been writing my own work since high school. For the love of the written word, and with no plans to publish currently for the future. 🙂
No plans to publish????
*narrowing my eyes at you*
Hardheaded dwarf.
Biased Dwarf.
You would think I should publish regardless if I was any good because you love me. *snort*
Great review Miranda I have only read M. Liu in anthologies . She sounds like she would be a very good read.
She is great Fran! Thanks for the compliment! Christine feehan recommended her to me long ago if you needed a more relevent recommendation. *laughing*
wonderful review, miranda. i can’t wait for the next book in this series. Liu is a wonderful writer.
Thank you Mari. I cannot wait for the next one either. Havent seen Koni or Rictor in faaaaaar too long. Fingers crossed for one of them. And I emailed M. Liu a few years back to ask if Roland would get his own story. She replied that he was asking for it……I could never figure out if she was threatening Roland, or answering my question. ROFL
*picking you off the floor*
Geesh, how must you look to your customers, rolling on the floor laughing? Be a professional, woman!
Hey Miranda, excellent review and I am eagerly awaiting getting to Eddie’s book. I loved him from when I first met him and was thrilled to learn he’d have his own book. You go me hooked on this series so you already know how I feel about it. Thanks for introducing me to Ms. Liu and her wonderful world of Dirk and Steele.
Thanks Marcie Mouse! I am so happy you are enjoying them…..by the way…..how is Rictor? Figured him out yet? heehee
Eddie sounds like a really nice guy. Raised by mother and grandmother has probably instilled in him fine qualities in treating women and people as a whole.
You certainly called it Lavonda. There is alot of pain in Eddie’s past….and something very devestating happens to him in the series before he receives his happily ever after, forcing him to lose nearly everything he has worked to gain, and to start over….but he is all that I described him to be. He is loyal to a fault, and he most assuredly knows how to treat a woman, and people in general. He is one of my favorite male leads in fiction. I adore him. I think you would too. 🙂
I love Marjorie M Liu. I haven’t read this book. Will be checking it out soon.
You introduced me to M. Liu a while ago and I sadly have not gotten to read this series. Your enthusiasm, your wonderful review, has piqued my curiosity anew! You had me at “side character gets his own limelight”, but in YOUR fabulous way with words, of course! 😉
Well done, my friend. I look forward to being thoroughly entertained by the world of Dirk & Steele!
Many thanks my Dear Carmen. You will swoon for Eddie. No doubt. There will be many O’s….*snort*
Hope you enjoy them! 🙂
The O’s……..
*snort*
Hiya Carmen!
This series is also in my ever growing mountain of TBR. Too many books, not enough eyes…… Miranda dear, your review was top notch as always. You give a wonderful description of the story without giving away too much information. Makes me want to read the series even more! When I grow up, I want to write reviews just like you! You are my hero. The wind beneath my wings. The shipper of my box o’ books. The blower upper of my phone. The giver of my nicknames….
Ok, I’ll stop. GREAT REVIEW!
Thank you my Peachie Pal.
……but you are still Biased Dwarf….just saying….
Pingback: Marjorie M Liu-An Interview and Giveaway with the Author | The Reading Cafe