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Sapphire City #1
Scorched
In a world where everyone wears a mask, you can't trust anyone… not even yourself.
Verity Fortune was once Sapphire City’s top crime-fighter, wielding her powers of telekinesis to battle the city’s most despicable villains. Now, she’s consumed by a single burning desire: revenge. Against those who took away her mask, her memory, and nearly her life.
Having escaped from the asylum they left her to rot in, Verity dons her mask once again and becomes the Seeker, a vigilante warrior for truth.
But when she unwittingly uncovers an evil conspiracy deep within her own family, she’s suddenly on the run, alone and hunted by those she thought were on her side…
Verity Fortune was once Sapphire City’s top crime-fighter, wielding her powers of telekinesis to battle the city’s most despicable villains. Now, she’s consumed by a single burning desire: revenge. Against those who took away her mask, her memory, and nearly her life.
Having escaped from the asylum they left her to rot in, Verity dons her mask once again and becomes the Seeker, a vigilante warrior for truth.
But when she unwittingly uncovers an evil conspiracy deep within her own family, she’s suddenly on the run, alone and hunted by those she thought were on her side…
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2014
12 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Erica Hayes
39 books274 followersErica Hayes was a law student, an air force officer, an editorial assistant and a musician, before finally landing her dream job: fantasy writer. She writes dark paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic science fiction, and her books feature tough, smart heroines and colorful heroes with dark secrets.
She hails from Australia, where she drifts from city to city, leaving a trail of chaos behind her. Currently, she’s terrorizing the wilds of Northern Virginia, USA.
She hails from Australia, where she drifts from city to city, leaving a trail of chaos behind her. Currently, she’s terrorizing the wilds of Northern Virginia, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 8, 2016
Verity Fortune aka The Seeker escapes from a torturous mental asylum to find her life in ruins and her family of super=heroes set to appease the city's greatest super-villain rather than fight him.
Verity soon hooks up with the only other super-hero currently fighting the good fight, but she's far from well. She keeps having seriously disruptive flashbacks to the events that put her in the asylum, and her memory of them is patchy at best. Meanwhile her family is actively hostile towards her while pulling a political agenda that would see the city try to appease Razorfire and his villainous Gallery.
There are pros and cons here. Pros would definitely be the idea of an unreliable narrator as a superhero. Verity is seriously messed up, and by the mid-point of this book, you're left wondering if she was in the asylum for very good reasons. (Her treatment there is never explained though, one of the more egregious of this book's dangling plot threads). Another pro is the ongoing dialogue around the rights of people to act as super-heroes while causing collateral property damage and injury or death.
The cons include a level of difficulty in the story that isn't matched by the level of skill of the writer. The unreliable narrator thing is great. Having that narrator have the emotional stability of a toddler on red cordial is not. Yes, she's been traumatized, both with the death of her father and the circumstances around that, and then by a torturous stint on an asylum, but there is no subtlety here at all. She's either competent or falling apart. Also the villain Razorfire makes very little sense at all and there's no hint of his end-game.
Finally, a warning and another con, this is not a complete book. The story is not even slightly resolved here and if you want any form of closure to the Fortunes and Razorfire in Sapphire City you'll need to read at least the next book (and the blurb doesn't sound promising about closure).
Verity soon hooks up with the only other super-hero currently fighting the good fight, but she's far from well. She keeps having seriously disruptive flashbacks to the events that put her in the asylum, and her memory of them is patchy at best. Meanwhile her family is actively hostile towards her while pulling a political agenda that would see the city try to appease Razorfire and his villainous Gallery.
There are pros and cons here. Pros would definitely be the idea of an unreliable narrator as a superhero. Verity is seriously messed up, and by the mid-point of this book, you're left wondering if she was in the asylum for very good reasons. (Her treatment there is never explained though, one of the more egregious of this book's dangling plot threads). Another pro is the ongoing dialogue around the rights of people to act as super-heroes while causing collateral property damage and injury or death.
The cons include a level of difficulty in the story that isn't matched by the level of skill of the writer. The unreliable narrator thing is great. Having that narrator have the emotional stability of a toddler on red cordial is not. Yes, she's been traumatized, both with the death of her father and the circumstances around that, and then by a torturous stint on an asylum, but there is no subtlety here at all. She's either competent or falling apart. Also the villain Razorfire makes very little sense at all and there's no hint of his end-game.
Finally, a warning and another con, this is not a complete book. The story is not even slightly resolved here and if you want any form of closure to the Fortunes and Razorfire in Sapphire City you'll need to read at least the next book (and the blurb doesn't sound promising about closure).
July 6, 2017
DNF - Not the Super Hero Story I Wanted.
Trigger Warnings: This book has graphic, gory depictions of physical and psychological torture. There is a ton of ableist slurs in reference to mental illness. Some problematic portrayals of the main character’s mental state and a bit of internalized misogyny.
At first I was intrigued by this book. The opening of the story is dark and heavy on visceral horror, giving it a the gritty feel of a modern horror movie (like Hostel or Saw). Which puts it more into the Urban Fantasy genre, than Paranormal or Super Hero genres. This story is all about the ugly, dirty bits. Almost to the point that it felt like it kept wanting to shock me, over and over, which isn’t necessarily an issue. However, since I didn’t know any of the characters or stakes in the story it is in fact completely gratuitous. Where I should be given insight and empathy into who Verity is, I got what she is with no real depth.
Because of that, I couldn’t finish the book because I just didn’t care about any of the characters or the story. While I liked the super creepy feel of the opening the narrative lost all its nuanced charm once Verity got home to her brother, Adonis. Seriously, these are the actual names of the characters not super hero personas and that’s at once hilarious and deeply disappointing.
The already slow pace of the story regularly comes to a screeching halt for random pockets of info dumping. Worse, none of the information was all that interesting or original.
I can see where the idea for this story came from, and how the characters and set up took shape. My biggest problem, which I own as a personal preference and expectation of the Super Hero genre, is the story lacks the fundamental qualities of what super heroes/vignette crime fighters are and why I personally find them appealing . It’s a lot of themes and tropes of the genre piled into big mess of ideas that end up contradicting each other and making no sense.
Verity is part of a group of (pretty privileged) crime fighters who also have special powers that make them outsiders in society. So they hide in plain sight as super heroes? Rich, Of course they’re rich and in the public eye. OF COURSE!
Never mind that Verity never explains exactly why she is a crime fighter, nor does she actually you know FIGHT CRIME. It’s just the family business, along with a multimillion dollar corporation that does or makes what? I don’t know. Like crime fighting, I guess it isn’t an important detail.
Honestly, all of these things could have worked. I mean they’re all plucked directly from comic books and shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The difference between those stories and this book is they have enough world building to make all of wackiness believable. Scorched doesn’t really having any tangible world building.
It props up some cardboard thin, vaguely familiar settings and ideas around boring cliche characters that are equally underdeveloped. Which leaves the reader doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to buying into the world and characters. That’s a way too much work for any reader, much less an impatient one like me.
Maybe if I had stuck in there a little longer it would have all made sense. Maybe if I could have just slogged through all the boring overwrought descriptions and unnecessarily details descriptions of Verities mental trauma. Maybe there’s something amazing, buried in this story that would redeem it for me. But I’m never going to know because the lazy world building and slow pacing bored me to sleep before I could get to it.
Overall, I’m just so disappointed. I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t.
Trigger Warnings: This book has graphic, gory depictions of physical and psychological torture. There is a ton of ableist slurs in reference to mental illness. Some problematic portrayals of the main character’s mental state and a bit of internalized misogyny.
At first I was intrigued by this book. The opening of the story is dark and heavy on visceral horror, giving it a the gritty feel of a modern horror movie (like Hostel or Saw). Which puts it more into the Urban Fantasy genre, than Paranormal or Super Hero genres. This story is all about the ugly, dirty bits. Almost to the point that it felt like it kept wanting to shock me, over and over, which isn’t necessarily an issue. However, since I didn’t know any of the characters or stakes in the story it is in fact completely gratuitous. Where I should be given insight and empathy into who Verity is, I got what she is with no real depth.
Because of that, I couldn’t finish the book because I just didn’t care about any of the characters or the story. While I liked the super creepy feel of the opening the narrative lost all its nuanced charm once Verity got home to her brother, Adonis. Seriously, these are the actual names of the characters not super hero personas and that’s at once hilarious and deeply disappointing.
The already slow pace of the story regularly comes to a screeching halt for random pockets of info dumping. Worse, none of the information was all that interesting or original.
I can see where the idea for this story came from, and how the characters and set up took shape. My biggest problem, which I own as a personal preference and expectation of the Super Hero genre, is the story lacks the fundamental qualities of what super heroes/vignette crime fighters are and why I personally find them appealing . It’s a lot of themes and tropes of the genre piled into big mess of ideas that end up contradicting each other and making no sense.
Verity is part of a group of (pretty privileged) crime fighters who also have special powers that make them outsiders in society. So they hide in plain sight as super heroes? Rich, Of course they’re rich and in the public eye. OF COURSE!
Never mind that Verity never explains exactly why she is a crime fighter, nor does she actually you know FIGHT CRIME. It’s just the family business, along with a multimillion dollar corporation that does or makes what? I don’t know. Like crime fighting, I guess it isn’t an important detail.
Honestly, all of these things could have worked. I mean they’re all plucked directly from comic books and shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The difference between those stories and this book is they have enough world building to make all of wackiness believable. Scorched doesn’t really having any tangible world building.
It props up some cardboard thin, vaguely familiar settings and ideas around boring cliche characters that are equally underdeveloped. Which leaves the reader doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to buying into the world and characters. That’s a way too much work for any reader, much less an impatient one like me.
Maybe if I had stuck in there a little longer it would have all made sense. Maybe if I could have just slogged through all the boring overwrought descriptions and unnecessarily details descriptions of Verities mental trauma. Maybe there’s something amazing, buried in this story that would redeem it for me. But I’m never going to know because the lazy world building and slow pacing bored me to sleep before I could get to it.
Overall, I’m just so disappointed. I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t.
June 13, 2016
2.5 stars, rounding up. There is an interesting premise in here, but in the end, I just found the plot convoluted (and yet weirdly easy to guess the twists), the characters unbelievable, and the writing a bit too purple.
September 1, 2015
4.5 stars
Scorched by Erica Hayes
Urban Fantasy / Superhero
Harper Impulse (22 May 2014)
Ebook: 296 pages
Goodreads || Amazon UK: Paperback / Kindle || Amazon US: Paperback
This review was originally posted on Book Chick City
I haven't read anything by Erica Hayes before, but after reading a few reviews for Scorched, and seeing that it was on NetGalley for review, I decided to give it a go. And I'm so pleased I did. After the first chapter I realised that this was going to be my kind of book. The author pulls no punches; the writing is gritty, witty and dark - just the way I like it.
The heroine, Verity Fortune, aka The Seeker, is complex and slightly damaged, but completely badass. She's a superhero among a family of superheroes. People at large know that they exist but only because they wear costumes and masks, without them their true identities are unknown and so the superheroes (and villains) can go on with their 'normal' daily lives without recognition. Verity's family also owns FortuneCorp, one of the biggest corporations in Sapphire City, and are well respected.
The book begins with Verity being tortured, held captive by an unknown source, although she thinks it's Razorfire, the biggest, baddest Villain of them all. Her superpowers are being held in check by an augmentium helmet, made from a specific material that prevents her using her telekinetic powers. Fortunately, there is a moment when Verity takes a chance and manages to break free. Her only thought is to get back to her family, and to plan her vengeance on Razorfire, for her lost months, for the unrelenting torture, for her scarred face, and for the people of Sapphire City. Slowly throughout the novel the story of her life unravels, her lost memories slowly return after the months and months of torture, and many of the unresolved questions are answered. But things are not always as they seem.
What I loved about Scorched was the fact that reader doesn't know any more than Verity. When she's confused so are we, when she asks questions we do to, and when she finds out the answers to those questions, we are right along side her. This made for a very exciting read. There are a lot of mistakes made along the way as she tries to figure out who is behind her kidnapping, and the murder of her father, Thomas Fortune, aka Blackstrike, the city's best loved crime-fighter, but eventually we do get some answers and they are HUGE, leaving Verity reeling and wanting to seek revenge. How Verity will recover I don't know, but it will definitely make for a very interesting second book.
Although I found out the majority of answers at the same time as Verity, I did have my suspicions about the identity of Razorfire, and I was proven right when his identity was revealed, in the most AWESOME way. But that was the only aspect I had an inkling about, everything else came as a surprise, which I loved. It really kept me on my toes. The flashbacks she has tell us the story regarding her father, her brother (Adonis) and sister (Equity) and Razorfire. As the story moves forward, and as Verity uncovers more and more about her kidnappers, we realise that her memory is not always accurate and can be deceiving.
The relationships Verity has with other characters are interesting and I really enjoyed her relationship with Glimmer, another superhero who decides to help her in her quest, as well as for his own reasons, and with Razorfire. I liked that she was pulled between good and evil. It was interesting to find out why she felt so divided and conflicted all the time. Glimmer would call her back to the good side and remind her what it is to be a superhero, but then she would take a different route and walk a dark path, which she would instantly regret. There's not really any romance in Scorched, but there is possibly a hint to one, but this book didn't need it, even if I wanted it (I do love a bit of romance).
I haven't read such a good book in a long time. I loved the world building, the characters, the story; practically everything about it was just spot-on. There are so many twists and turns, and I loved finding things out along with Verity rather than be given the answers by the author.
Scorched is a fantastic start to a new series, and a really refreshing urban fantasy/superhero tale that I simply gobbled up. I can't wait for book two, which will hopefully be released sometime later this year. If you're looking for something gritty, exciting, and fresh with complex and interesting characters, then Scorched is the book for you.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Scorched by Erica Hayes
Urban Fantasy / Superhero
Harper Impulse (22 May 2014)
Ebook: 296 pages
Goodreads || Amazon UK: Paperback / Kindle || Amazon US: Paperback
This review was originally posted on Book Chick City
September 28, 2014
Whoa! What a ride that was!
I swear I turned pages on my Kindle so fast smoke was flying off them. I also think that anybody who buys this book to read should be provided with their very own Augmented Superhero costume to wear whilst reading it. Because this book was a FUN RIDE and I wanted some of the action!
Right, so settle down now and tell the nice people what the book is about:
In a world where everyone wears a mask, you can't trust anyone… not even yourself.
Verity Fortune was once Sapphire City’s top crime-fighter, wielding her powers of telekinesis to battle the city’s most despicable villains.
Now, she’s consumed by a single burning desire -
Revenge
Against those who took away her mask, her memory, and nearly her life.
Having escaped from the asylum they left her to rot in, Verity dons her mask once again and becomes the Seeker, a vigilante warrior for truth.
But when she unwittingly uncovers an evil conspiracy deep within her own family, she’s suddenly on the run, alone and hunted by those she thought were on her side…
This book is out of my usual genre choice, I have not read much Urban Fantasy, but really this goes to another level, it's UF but it's like a better version of The Avengers, think superheroes on the good side, villains with powers on the bad side. And hey? What if you don't know which side you are really on? Sparks are going to fly. Or flames, or icicles, or light beams. Woo hoo!
This is an all action book, we meet Verity Fortune who is clawing her way back from a not-so-fun time in her life and working out where her place is in the world. She is a "Augmented" meaning she has powers, and she knows how to use them. Oh yes indeed, she is one kick-some-butt-and-throw-it-all-around gal. No flies on her. Loved her, loved her, loved her. You know why? She's flawed, powerful, but flawed and her character was done very well in this book. She's my heroine of the week this week.
Hi, I'm Verity Fortune, freelance journalist. Who's that, you say? The Seeker? Black vinyl catsuit and mask? Fights crime? She's just a rumor friend. She's not real. Trust me, I'm a reporter. If she was real, I'd know, wouldn't I?.
Yep, Verity Fortune is a newspaper reporter when not sweeping the streets of crime and grime, remind you of another superhero that flew through the air? She is also The Seeker when she is in full gear, sleek and powerful. Incognito to those not in the know.
There is a power struggle going on in her city, and it's not so clear cut as baddies vs the good guys, it's political and you don't really know who you can trust. Verity burns with revenge for slights done to her all powerful family, her all crime fighting superpowers family, she burns to hurt the ones that hurt the ones she loves. Ah-ha, all is not as it seems.
Enter stage-left Glimmer and do a little swoon as he enters, seriously, trust me, go on - swoon a bit, he can catch you.
Strong, lean, the same tight black T-Shirt and jeans he'd worn before. A few days of beard shadowed his chin, dark against his olive skin, and his wild black hair had a single albino splash at the front. He wore a leather band buckled around one wrist, and a silver ring on his right ring finger. Intriguing.
Now I am no teenage girl but you have got to love this guy, honestly, trust me, I can't tell you who he is or what part he plays (don't think it's the obvious) but again another hugely likeable and exceptional character. Loved him, a lot. (Swoon)
I am ranting now, seriously, this book just was so much fun to read, I was lost in another world, I was caught up, wooshed away in pure literary escapism. It was like watching it on the big screen, it was awesome. Breathe, breathe.
The plot is excellent, twists and turns all the way through, I had no idea the ending was coming at me like the freight train it did. I had no inkling at all. Brilliant stuff.
Someone has to sort out the powers that be in this town, sorting good from evil has never been so complicated, someone has to get answers to what the truth is, someone has to find out what really happened to herself and her family. She is The Seeker
Triumph warmed me. I didn't need my augment to overpower her this time. She didn't have enough space. And she was a skinny thing, whereas I worked out, or at least I had until her boss chucked me in the nuthouse. That'll teach her to aspire to that skeletal look...
There is some funny moments in this book, it's just a brilliant ride, there is no need to pick this book apart word by word, section by section, it was just a hugely enjoyable read by a very talented author. I admit too I was hugely drawn by the cover on this book, really well done.
Please let this have a sequel or an entire series to come, please!
Right, so now I am off to find my cape and mask and practice my moves, watch this space...
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I swear I turned pages on my Kindle so fast smoke was flying off them. I also think that anybody who buys this book to read should be provided with their very own Augmented Superhero costume to wear whilst reading it. Because this book was a FUN RIDE and I wanted some of the action!
Right, so settle down now and tell the nice people what the book is about:
In a world where everyone wears a mask, you can't trust anyone… not even yourself.
Verity Fortune was once Sapphire City’s top crime-fighter, wielding her powers of telekinesis to battle the city’s most despicable villains.
Now, she’s consumed by a single burning desire -
Revenge
Against those who took away her mask, her memory, and nearly her life.
Having escaped from the asylum they left her to rot in, Verity dons her mask once again and becomes the Seeker, a vigilante warrior for truth.
But when she unwittingly uncovers an evil conspiracy deep within her own family, she’s suddenly on the run, alone and hunted by those she thought were on her side…
This book is out of my usual genre choice, I have not read much Urban Fantasy, but really this goes to another level, it's UF but it's like a better version of The Avengers, think superheroes on the good side, villains with powers on the bad side. And hey? What if you don't know which side you are really on? Sparks are going to fly. Or flames, or icicles, or light beams. Woo hoo!
This is an all action book, we meet Verity Fortune who is clawing her way back from a not-so-fun time in her life and working out where her place is in the world. She is a "Augmented" meaning she has powers, and she knows how to use them. Oh yes indeed, she is one kick-some-butt-and-throw-it-all-around gal. No flies on her. Loved her, loved her, loved her. You know why? She's flawed, powerful, but flawed and her character was done very well in this book. She's my heroine of the week this week.
Hi, I'm Verity Fortune, freelance journalist. Who's that, you say? The Seeker? Black vinyl catsuit and mask? Fights crime? She's just a rumor friend. She's not real. Trust me, I'm a reporter. If she was real, I'd know, wouldn't I?.
Yep, Verity Fortune is a newspaper reporter when not sweeping the streets of crime and grime, remind you of another superhero that flew through the air? She is also The Seeker when she is in full gear, sleek and powerful. Incognito to those not in the know.
There is a power struggle going on in her city, and it's not so clear cut as baddies vs the good guys, it's political and you don't really know who you can trust. Verity burns with revenge for slights done to her all powerful family, her all crime fighting superpowers family, she burns to hurt the ones that hurt the ones she loves. Ah-ha, all is not as it seems.
Enter stage-left Glimmer and do a little swoon as he enters, seriously, trust me, go on - swoon a bit, he can catch you.
Strong, lean, the same tight black T-Shirt and jeans he'd worn before. A few days of beard shadowed his chin, dark against his olive skin, and his wild black hair had a single albino splash at the front. He wore a leather band buckled around one wrist, and a silver ring on his right ring finger. Intriguing.
Now I am no teenage girl but you have got to love this guy, honestly, trust me, I can't tell you who he is or what part he plays (don't think it's the obvious) but again another hugely likeable and exceptional character. Loved him, a lot. (Swoon)
I am ranting now, seriously, this book just was so much fun to read, I was lost in another world, I was caught up, wooshed away in pure literary escapism. It was like watching it on the big screen, it was awesome. Breathe, breathe.
The plot is excellent, twists and turns all the way through, I had no idea the ending was coming at me like the freight train it did. I had no inkling at all. Brilliant stuff.
Someone has to sort out the powers that be in this town, sorting good from evil has never been so complicated, someone has to get answers to what the truth is, someone has to find out what really happened to herself and her family. She is The Seeker
Triumph warmed me. I didn't need my augment to overpower her this time. She didn't have enough space. And she was a skinny thing, whereas I worked out, or at least I had until her boss chucked me in the nuthouse. That'll teach her to aspire to that skeletal look...
There is some funny moments in this book, it's just a brilliant ride, there is no need to pick this book apart word by word, section by section, it was just a hugely enjoyable read by a very talented author. I admit too I was hugely drawn by the cover on this book, really well done.
Please let this have a sequel or an entire series to come, please!
Right, so now I am off to find my cape and mask and practice my moves, watch this space...
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2014
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I enjoyed the books by Erica Hayes that I had the opportunity to read, so when I saw the release of a new series, I was immediately intrigued. Well I’m curious by novels featuring vigilantes and even if I have some in my TBR pile, it is true that I had not read any so far. However, I can now say that I ultimately had a great time with this new story.
Verity is locked in a psychiatric hospital for a while now, undergoing imposed incessant treatments. But after a while, she finally manages to escape, but soon realizes that months have passed since her last memory. She does not know what happened before her imprisonment but she is determined to take revenge on the man who has locked her and that is none other than her old enemy. Yet when she returned home, she realizes that she has forgotten many facts, like that her father died the night she was kidnapped. And when she is convinced that a member of her family is fiddling with their enemies and is responsible for her condition, she will ally with a man with astonishing powers, vigilante himself, in order to make Law reign and discover the truth that lies in her past. However, large areas of shadow are there and Verity might be surprised by the reality of what happened.
We understand from the beginning of the novel, the desire of the heroine to recover her memory and I admit that I was very surprised at the end of the story when we learn the truth. Small flashbacks back are gradually given over the chapters, but it’s true we can’t imagine the thruth. Through her adventures, we discover Glimmer, a masked man who seems to have been really influenced by his past. I was really curious to learn more about him and it’s true that his history really broke my heart. He will form a beautiful duet with Verity. I loved the young woman and despite all her vulnerability, she tries to present a strong front but her thirst for revenge is stronger than her self-control. She will quickly have to decide what her limitations are before not being able to go back.
I enjoyed this first volume as well as the world. Humans who live here are like everyone else and we also have the augmented who detains some special power. Yet fear lies in the heart of people, especially when some use their powers inappropriately. An ancient war is also found in the middle of all these problems and Verity could know more than what she thinks.
It was a very good first novel. I loved to discover more about the world and the characters. I am very curious to read more about all of them now. The author presents us a nice mix of vigilantes, betrayal and revenge.
My English review
I enjoyed the books by Erica Hayes that I had the opportunity to read, so when I saw the release of a new series, I was immediately intrigued. Well I’m curious by novels featuring vigilantes and even if I have some in my TBR pile, it is true that I had not read any so far. However, I can now say that I ultimately had a great time with this new story.
Verity is locked in a psychiatric hospital for a while now, undergoing imposed incessant treatments. But after a while, she finally manages to escape, but soon realizes that months have passed since her last memory. She does not know what happened before her imprisonment but she is determined to take revenge on the man who has locked her and that is none other than her old enemy. Yet when she returned home, she realizes that she has forgotten many facts, like that her father died the night she was kidnapped. And when she is convinced that a member of her family is fiddling with their enemies and is responsible for her condition, she will ally with a man with astonishing powers, vigilante himself, in order to make Law reign and discover the truth that lies in her past. However, large areas of shadow are there and Verity might be surprised by the reality of what happened.
We understand from the beginning of the novel, the desire of the heroine to recover her memory and I admit that I was very surprised at the end of the story when we learn the truth. Small flashbacks back are gradually given over the chapters, but it’s true we can’t imagine the thruth. Through her adventures, we discover Glimmer, a masked man who seems to have been really influenced by his past. I was really curious to learn more about him and it’s true that his history really broke my heart. He will form a beautiful duet with Verity. I loved the young woman and despite all her vulnerability, she tries to present a strong front but her thirst for revenge is stronger than her self-control. She will quickly have to decide what her limitations are before not being able to go back.
I enjoyed this first volume as well as the world. Humans who live here are like everyone else and we also have the augmented who detains some special power. Yet fear lies in the heart of people, especially when some use their powers inappropriately. An ancient war is also found in the middle of all these problems and Verity could know more than what she thinks.
It was a very good first novel. I loved to discover more about the world and the characters. I am very curious to read more about all of them now. The author presents us a nice mix of vigilantes, betrayal and revenge.
October 19, 2014
Superherogeekaliciousextrabadassocious!
This was about as much nerdy super fun as you could squeeze into a single book, and a delightful read from start to finish. Hayes did a truly wonderful job of creating the superhero metropolis vibe, complete with smarmy politicians, secret identities, public showdowns, the lot. For comparison, I'd say it was very Batman-esque; especially with the added element of a crime-fighting duo of awesomeness that is Glimmer and Seeker. I hope to see a lot more of those two in the next book now that everybody knows what's what and who's who, because we've only just scratched the surface of that fascinating relationship dynamic, I'm sure.
Seeker - Verity Fortune - was an incredibly enjoyable lead with as much mystery surrounding her as anyone else since she has spotty memories at best of what happened right before she was captured and tortured for months. As the flashbacks increase and the puzzle pieces reveal themselves, a very shocking picture starts to emerge, and Verity finds the only person she can really trust is herself - and maybe not even that. The only character who even comes close to gaining her confidence is Glimmer - Mr. Save The World. I don't know much about him yet, but what I do know only makes me want to know more, and I'm definitely keen for any hint of romance from that corner the author wants to throw my way.
Scorched is the first of a new series, although I struggled to find a name for said series in any of the usual places online, or any news about book two, but all I'll say is there better be one! I'll certainly be checking Hayes' website for more info, and I suggest you join me in my stalker-like ways.
In short, if you like superheroes in all their glittery glory, complex heroes and sympathetic villains, then definitely check this book out! 4 Stars! ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was about as much nerdy super fun as you could squeeze into a single book, and a delightful read from start to finish. Hayes did a truly wonderful job of creating the superhero metropolis vibe, complete with smarmy politicians, secret identities, public showdowns, the lot. For comparison, I'd say it was very Batman-esque; especially with the added element of a crime-fighting duo of awesomeness that is Glimmer and Seeker. I hope to see a lot more of those two in the next book now that everybody knows what's what and who's who, because we've only just scratched the surface of that fascinating relationship dynamic, I'm sure.
Seeker - Verity Fortune - was an incredibly enjoyable lead with as much mystery surrounding her as anyone else since she has spotty memories at best of what happened right before she was captured and tortured for months. As the flashbacks increase and the puzzle pieces reveal themselves, a very shocking picture starts to emerge, and Verity finds the only person she can really trust is herself - and maybe not even that. The only character who even comes close to gaining her confidence is Glimmer - Mr. Save The World. I don't know much about him yet, but what I do know only makes me want to know more, and I'm definitely keen for any hint of romance from that corner the author wants to throw my way.
Scorched is the first of a new series, although I struggled to find a name for said series in any of the usual places online, or any news about book two, but all I'll say is there better be one! I'll certainly be checking Hayes' website for more info, and I suggest you join me in my stalker-like ways.
In short, if you like superheroes in all their glittery glory, complex heroes and sympathetic villains, then definitely check this book out! 4 Stars! ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2015
I suppose I should have read the reviews rather than just seeing that this book had an average of 4.5 stars by previous reviewers. I would say that had I read one of the reviews in particular, I might have saved myself the $0.99 that I wasted on this awful, cliche ridden novel. I did read the entire book, which is clear evidence of my masochistic streak over-riding my intuition. From about 50 pages in, my gut was telling me that this story was just not going to get any better. But I hung in, partly because a book by an author I am reading for the first time usually gets the benefit of the doubt. That is what happened with me and it was another lesson in learning to listen to my intuition...
The plot is tired, at times it is difficult to tell exactly what is going on. In the end, true to form, we find out that some good guys are really bad guys and at that point this reader just wanted it to end. While all the true identities of the "secret identities' of various villains and heroes are revealed, there is one the was left unidentified, and that is the true identity of "Glimmer" the protagonist's mysterious helper. It really doesn't matter because the end is so predictable.
Anyone reading this review may have wondered what it was that kept me reading, even beyond the reason I gave above. I have to be honest, that in places, describing the broken but returning memories of our heroine, Ms Hayes' writing is quite good. I think a short story format would suit her better, but unless you have never read any "superhero" urban fantasy before, this novel is just too predictable and the characters so stereotypical that it just is not worthy of novel length treatment. One thing I would add, if the author took out some of the overly sexualized moments, this might do better as a first read for YA readers who want to get a taste of the Urban Fantasy genre. Adults who have read good series or novels in this genre can easily pass this by. I admit, the cover got me a bit, but that just goes to prove the old adage, "You can't judge a book by its cover." Look at the cover - nice pic. No need to go any further.
The plot is tired, at times it is difficult to tell exactly what is going on. In the end, true to form, we find out that some good guys are really bad guys and at that point this reader just wanted it to end. While all the true identities of the "secret identities' of various villains and heroes are revealed, there is one the was left unidentified, and that is the true identity of "Glimmer" the protagonist's mysterious helper. It really doesn't matter because the end is so predictable.
Anyone reading this review may have wondered what it was that kept me reading, even beyond the reason I gave above. I have to be honest, that in places, describing the broken but returning memories of our heroine, Ms Hayes' writing is quite good. I think a short story format would suit her better, but unless you have never read any "superhero" urban fantasy before, this novel is just too predictable and the characters so stereotypical that it just is not worthy of novel length treatment. One thing I would add, if the author took out some of the overly sexualized moments, this might do better as a first read for YA readers who want to get a taste of the Urban Fantasy genre. Adults who have read good series or novels in this genre can easily pass this by. I admit, the cover got me a bit, but that just goes to prove the old adage, "You can't judge a book by its cover." Look at the cover - nice pic. No need to go any further.
December 20, 2014
When I saw this cover on Netgalley, I just had to get it. I loved the imagery of all that black hair becoming rain on the city, the darkness all around with just the one ray of light from the helicopter. Okay, putting that into words, it sounds cheesy, but the cover just worked for me. When I saw that the story was about a female crime fighter, I just had to read it.
Verity Fortune has been locked up for weeks being tortured in an asylum. She finally manages to break away from her captors and escape into the night. Only to find out that what she thought was weeks, was actually months. Nothing is as she left it. It feels like the entire world has flipped upside down on her. Her father is dead, her sister is advocating a "non violent" solution and running for mayor, and the rest of her family seems to be just going along with the idea. Verity is left with a burning desire for revenge and leaves to seek it on her own. But the more she uncovers, the more questions she is left with. She has to figure out who locked her up, and what were they trying to cover up, before she is shut up... for good.
This is not a standard superhero novel. It's a darkly themed criminal mystery, where even when you think you know who is who and what is what, you are sure to be wrong. I rarely make status updates on Goodreads while I read a book, but this one deserved the commentary. I was just so shocked that I couldn't quite keep a handle on what was going to happen next. If this had been a movie, I would have been hitting stop and rewind and yelling at the screen. It was full of both dramatic revelations and full bore action sequences. This book's tone was very reminiscent of The Dark Knight with Heath Ledger, full of cunning misdirection and unpredictable characters. And the ending! Oh boy the ending. I can't believe this is a stand-alone book. I want more! Worth every one of the 5 stars I gave it.
Verity Fortune has been locked up for weeks being tortured in an asylum. She finally manages to break away from her captors and escape into the night. Only to find out that what she thought was weeks, was actually months. Nothing is as she left it. It feels like the entire world has flipped upside down on her. Her father is dead, her sister is advocating a "non violent" solution and running for mayor, and the rest of her family seems to be just going along with the idea. Verity is left with a burning desire for revenge and leaves to seek it on her own. But the more she uncovers, the more questions she is left with. She has to figure out who locked her up, and what were they trying to cover up, before she is shut up... for good.
This is not a standard superhero novel. It's a darkly themed criminal mystery, where even when you think you know who is who and what is what, you are sure to be wrong. I rarely make status updates on Goodreads while I read a book, but this one deserved the commentary. I was just so shocked that I couldn't quite keep a handle on what was going to happen next. If this had been a movie, I would have been hitting stop and rewind and yelling at the screen. It was full of both dramatic revelations and full bore action sequences. This book's tone was very reminiscent of The Dark Knight with Heath Ledger, full of cunning misdirection and unpredictable characters. And the ending! Oh boy the ending. I can't believe this is a stand-alone book. I want more! Worth every one of the 5 stars I gave it.
August 19, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse and NetGalley.)
This book started out a little confusing but okay, but as it went on I got really bored.
Verity was just a confusing character really. At the start of the book it was like she barely knew her own name, and it was really difficult to know whether to believe what she told us was going on or not! Unfortunately this didn’t really improve over the course of the book, and I really didn’t warm to her at all.
The storyline in this was quite jumpy and difficult to follow. Things were revealed during the course of the story, but I was so bored that I stopped caring. After the 20% mark this story just lost me, and really could not regain my interest right up to the end.
There was some romance, but I didn’t really appreciate that either.
The ending was again a bit confusing, but I really didn’t care what happened at that point.
Overall; dull and confusing,
4.5 out of 10.
This book started out a little confusing but okay, but as it went on I got really bored.
Verity was just a confusing character really. At the start of the book it was like she barely knew her own name, and it was really difficult to know whether to believe what she told us was going on or not! Unfortunately this didn’t really improve over the course of the book, and I really didn’t warm to her at all.
The storyline in this was quite jumpy and difficult to follow. Things were revealed during the course of the story, but I was so bored that I stopped caring. After the 20% mark this story just lost me, and really could not regain my interest right up to the end.
There was some romance, but I didn’t really appreciate that either.
The ending was again a bit confusing, but I really didn’t care what happened at that point.
Overall; dull and confusing,
4.5 out of 10.
May 20, 2014
More reviews at http://losttobooks.blogspot.com
Actual rating 4.5
I've been eagerly waiting for this book, hoping it would go up on Netgalley, since I saw the cover. I was really excited to read an urban fantasy by this publisher and the cover had me hooked so I hit the 'send to kindle' button instantly when I saw it had been uploaded and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
Scorched had me intrigued right for the start with Verity's inner conflicts about whether she is a bad person or not. It set up the themes in the book nicely and the constant battle with herself over right and wrong was constant and developed well. There was also play of action from the offset which had me turning pages at a quick pace and unable to stop reading even though I had other things I should have been doing.
Throughout the whole book there was plenty of action and the characters all had a gritty, fighting edge to them--especially Verity. She was a strong female lead despite her inner battles. I liked the way she wasn't afraid to talk back to people and had a mouth on her. For me those qualities enhanced the believability of what she had gone through. She needed to be tough for everything to tie together and she definitely was.
As well as this I liked the whole superhero/villain aspect this book had. I've read a lot of paranormal book where people have supernatural abilities but very rarely do I come across one where they are actually referred to as super heroes and villains. For me it gave this book a comic book quality and while that's not usually my thing I think the fact the author roughed it up and have it a harder edge worked, the book was gritty rather than cheesy.
One thing I would have liked was more background on where they were and the world they lived in. I would have also liked more details on the supernatural side of things as I felt it was slightly under developed and basic. I was never sure on the extent of each persons' ability and would have liked to know their limits of what they were capable. I would have also liked the twist at the end to have been a bit more of a surprise as I did assume what was going on before it happened but that might just be me.
As well as this, my only other comment was there wasn't much romance. Although this isn't a complaint, I did expect more romance coming from this publisher but there wasn't any. There was a short back story at the end but it did come about all of a sudden so although I don't think the book needed romance, I had assumed there would be something. I did spend a lot of time wondering if Verity would fall for someone and I wouldn't really class this as a romance having read it now.
Overall, Scorched was a book that was full of energy. It was fast-paced, action-packed and had a darker edge to it which I love in novels. It was written well had an interesting concept. I'll definitely be looking out for more by this author.
Actual rating 4.5
I've been eagerly waiting for this book, hoping it would go up on Netgalley, since I saw the cover. I was really excited to read an urban fantasy by this publisher and the cover had me hooked so I hit the 'send to kindle' button instantly when I saw it had been uploaded and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
Scorched had me intrigued right for the start with Verity's inner conflicts about whether she is a bad person or not. It set up the themes in the book nicely and the constant battle with herself over right and wrong was constant and developed well. There was also play of action from the offset which had me turning pages at a quick pace and unable to stop reading even though I had other things I should have been doing.
Throughout the whole book there was plenty of action and the characters all had a gritty, fighting edge to them--especially Verity. She was a strong female lead despite her inner battles. I liked the way she wasn't afraid to talk back to people and had a mouth on her. For me those qualities enhanced the believability of what she had gone through. She needed to be tough for everything to tie together and she definitely was.
As well as this I liked the whole superhero/villain aspect this book had. I've read a lot of paranormal book where people have supernatural abilities but very rarely do I come across one where they are actually referred to as super heroes and villains. For me it gave this book a comic book quality and while that's not usually my thing I think the fact the author roughed it up and have it a harder edge worked, the book was gritty rather than cheesy.
One thing I would have liked was more background on where they were and the world they lived in. I would have also liked more details on the supernatural side of things as I felt it was slightly under developed and basic. I was never sure on the extent of each persons' ability and would have liked to know their limits of what they were capable. I would have also liked the twist at the end to have been a bit more of a surprise as I did assume what was going on before it happened but that might just be me.
As well as this, my only other comment was there wasn't much romance. Although this isn't a complaint, I did expect more romance coming from this publisher but there wasn't any. There was a short back story at the end but it did come about all of a sudden so although I don't think the book needed romance, I had assumed there would be something. I did spend a lot of time wondering if Verity would fall for someone and I wouldn't really class this as a romance having read it now.
Overall, Scorched was a book that was full of energy. It was fast-paced, action-packed and had a darker edge to it which I love in novels. It was written well had an interesting concept. I'll definitely be looking out for more by this author.
May 25, 2014
I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The cover drew me in. Isn’t it a thing of beauty?
When I requested this I assumed it would be more paranormal than it was. In fact it was more fantasy than anything. People who go around using their powers–known as the Augmented–to stop evil, dressed up in disguise. Superheroes?
I was quickly drawn into the story within the first chapter when we see Verity struggle to remember who she is and that she isn’t a bad person after being tortured by her arch nemesis’ minions in a mental asylum and her escape from there. She runs to a safe house and bumps into her brother who tells her she’s been MIA for nine months.
Can I just stop there for a minute and mention the Fortune siblings’ names? The eldest is Equity, then Adonis, then there is Verity and baby brother Chance. I love their names! If they don’t scream Superhero, I don’t know what does :D
Anyway, back to the story. On Verity’s return to her family, things don’t go smoothly and she realises things don’t add up. Is there a conspiracy in the works?
Throughout the story we see flashbacks of the night that Verity was captured and it is all very intriguing. At just over half way through I had my suspicions of what they would end up showing and I was right in my assumption about what some of it would show. I’m not going into detail as it would totally ruin in for you.
We meet a lot of other Augmented people: Iceclaw, Weasel, Glimmer. Some are good and some not so much. I liked the description of each and how they earned their names. They were thought out and I could picture them easily.
I grew to really like Glimmer, he seemed like a really nice guy. Verity, on the other hand, I couldn’t decide about. She seemed to like pushing people away and was full of self-loathing a lot of the time, unable to justify some of the things she’d done.
To start with I didn’t mind the lack of romance, as I was so caught up in the drama surrounding Verity, but the more I read the book the more I missed it. There was a bit; some kisses exchanged and nice words but nothing like the amount I like to read in books and that’s reflected in my rating.
It was full of action and intrigue. I liked the superhero vs. bad guys aspect. If you like the sound of it, then I’d suggest you go grab a copy.
The cover drew me in. Isn’t it a thing of beauty?
When I requested this I assumed it would be more paranormal than it was. In fact it was more fantasy than anything. People who go around using their powers–known as the Augmented–to stop evil, dressed up in disguise. Superheroes?
I was quickly drawn into the story within the first chapter when we see Verity struggle to remember who she is and that she isn’t a bad person after being tortured by her arch nemesis’ minions in a mental asylum and her escape from there. She runs to a safe house and bumps into her brother who tells her she’s been MIA for nine months.
Can I just stop there for a minute and mention the Fortune siblings’ names? The eldest is Equity, then Adonis, then there is Verity and baby brother Chance. I love their names! If they don’t scream Superhero, I don’t know what does :D
Anyway, back to the story. On Verity’s return to her family, things don’t go smoothly and she realises things don’t add up. Is there a conspiracy in the works?
Throughout the story we see flashbacks of the night that Verity was captured and it is all very intriguing. At just over half way through I had my suspicions of what they would end up showing and I was right in my assumption about what some of it would show. I’m not going into detail as it would totally ruin in for you.
We meet a lot of other Augmented people: Iceclaw, Weasel, Glimmer. Some are good and some not so much. I liked the description of each and how they earned their names. They were thought out and I could picture them easily.
I grew to really like Glimmer, he seemed like a really nice guy. Verity, on the other hand, I couldn’t decide about. She seemed to like pushing people away and was full of self-loathing a lot of the time, unable to justify some of the things she’d done.
To start with I didn’t mind the lack of romance, as I was so caught up in the drama surrounding Verity, but the more I read the book the more I missed it. There was a bit; some kisses exchanged and nice words but nothing like the amount I like to read in books and that’s reflected in my rating.
It was full of action and intrigue. I liked the superhero vs. bad guys aspect. If you like the sound of it, then I’d suggest you go grab a copy.
December 3, 2014
What I liked.
Beautiful, almost poetic descriptions that gave me a serious dose of author envy. Also I guessed who the real traitor was, which might seem a bad thing but made me feel better, only to get caught out by the main plot twist (it's a doozie!). These carefully set up plot points kept me on the edge of the seat with a serious 'what will happen next?!' anticipation. Great general tension throughout, and plenty of action and adventure as you'd expect from a superhero story. And the bad guy is BAD! Nothing beats a villain who really is evil.
What I didn't like.
This is tagged on Amazon as a romance, but *potential spoiler* I don't feel that it is - if it was a romantic HFN, it was pretty ambiguous, and the sexual tension/chemistry throughout wasn't great. I certainly didn't feel there was any hope for any kind of romantic entanglement or longevity in the vague hero/heroine relationship. But the main thing that bothered me was as soon as Verity appears as herself at the family company, she's jumped by Doctor Mengele. Of course she's been betrayed, but following on from that she continues to go out in public as herself and her superhero guise, makes appointments as her journalistic self and contacts old work mates...yet doesn't get caught? Her enemies wouldn't keep tabs on the other people in her life in order to recapture her? Also she's bothered by her scarred face enough to want to wear her mask all the time, yet doesn't seem bothered showing it as Verity.
In conclusion.
Any fan of the likes of the Marvel films (and in particular those still waiting for a heroine-led superhero film like Black Widow) will enjoy this. There's some sexual tension (though not enough for a romance in my opinion), and plenty of adventure, action, jeopardy, and twists to keep any non-romance reader hooked. This reads very much like the first of a series, so I hope the next will be out soon.
Beautiful, almost poetic descriptions that gave me a serious dose of author envy. Also I guessed who the real traitor was, which might seem a bad thing but made me feel better, only to get caught out by the main plot twist (it's a doozie!). These carefully set up plot points kept me on the edge of the seat with a serious 'what will happen next?!' anticipation. Great general tension throughout, and plenty of action and adventure as you'd expect from a superhero story. And the bad guy is BAD! Nothing beats a villain who really is evil.
What I didn't like.
This is tagged on Amazon as a romance, but *potential spoiler* I don't feel that it is - if it was a romantic HFN, it was pretty ambiguous, and the sexual tension/chemistry throughout wasn't great. I certainly didn't feel there was any hope for any kind of romantic entanglement or longevity in the vague hero/heroine relationship. But the main thing that bothered me was as soon as Verity appears as herself at the family company, she's jumped by Doctor Mengele. Of course she's been betrayed, but following on from that she continues to go out in public as herself and her superhero guise, makes appointments as her journalistic self and contacts old work mates...yet doesn't get caught? Her enemies wouldn't keep tabs on the other people in her life in order to recapture her? Also she's bothered by her scarred face enough to want to wear her mask all the time, yet doesn't seem bothered showing it as Verity.
In conclusion.
Any fan of the likes of the Marvel films (and in particular those still waiting for a heroine-led superhero film like Black Widow) will enjoy this. There's some sexual tension (though not enough for a romance in my opinion), and plenty of adventure, action, jeopardy, and twists to keep any non-romance reader hooked. This reads very much like the first of a series, so I hope the next will be out soon.
June 18, 2014
The first book in a new urban fantasy series is a thrilling action packed read. Once a crime fighter, now a vigilante, Verity Fortune is consumed with one burning desire revenge against those who took away her mask, her memory and nearly her life.
This steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense, action and drama. The author brings the story to life with well written scenes and details that capture the imagination and inspire vivid images that make the reader feel as if they are part of the story. The strong compelling characters are easily related to and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning and keep it the very end.
There are hints of romance and passion in the book, but the story focuses on Verity and her enemies. There is lots of well orchestrated actions scenes that are exciting and believable, tension building suspense as Verity tries to uncover the truth about what happened and who is behind it, betrayals and lots of emotional drama and turmoil. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the story and all the surprising twists and turns keep the reader guessing about what comes next and the reader can’t help but be shocked by the answers that Verity uncovers.
This series promises to be exciting and fun with captivating super heroes and villains to keep the reader intrigued and coming back for more. The story is full of violence and mayhem, but also the emotional turmoil and confusion of the heroine. I was totally caught up in the story and I can’t wait to read the next one, however I do recommend that the book be read when the reader can devout all their attention to it, not only because they won’t want to put it down once they start reading it, but because due to Verity circumstances the reader could become confused if they are not paying attention.
- Eva
This steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense, action and drama. The author brings the story to life with well written scenes and details that capture the imagination and inspire vivid images that make the reader feel as if they are part of the story. The strong compelling characters are easily related to and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning and keep it the very end.
There are hints of romance and passion in the book, but the story focuses on Verity and her enemies. There is lots of well orchestrated actions scenes that are exciting and believable, tension building suspense as Verity tries to uncover the truth about what happened and who is behind it, betrayals and lots of emotional drama and turmoil. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the story and all the surprising twists and turns keep the reader guessing about what comes next and the reader can’t help but be shocked by the answers that Verity uncovers.
This series promises to be exciting and fun with captivating super heroes and villains to keep the reader intrigued and coming back for more. The story is full of violence and mayhem, but also the emotional turmoil and confusion of the heroine. I was totally caught up in the story and I can’t wait to read the next one, however I do recommend that the book be read when the reader can devout all their attention to it, not only because they won’t want to put it down once they start reading it, but because due to Verity circumstances the reader could become confused if they are not paying attention.
- Eva
October 28, 2014
This is an addictive, gripping and well written superhero story with echoes of Batman and The X-Men.
Verity Fortune, Seeker, escapes from captivity where doctors have kept her special abilities suppressed and attempted to destroy her memories. One thing she knows for sure is that the supervillain Razorfire killed her father, and she is determined to hunt him down and get revenge. However, she has been gone a long time, and someone in her family is her enemy. Soon she is a fugitive, desperate for allies, and hooks up with Glimmer, who has his own reasons for hunting down Razorfire.
It's great to have a female superhero tale like this. There are elements of romance, and some of the principal males are a little too super, but ultimately and primarily the story is about Verity and is narrated by her. In many ways she is both hero and villain, her mind and memories abused, beset by grief and guilt and disfigurement. And being a superhero, she is faced with a number of scenarios that test her moral principles.
The contrast between the volatility of Verity and the rationality of Glimmer is my main point of frustration, in that she is a little too volatile and he is a little too rational, but it's a minor complaint. I devoured this book, and the ending was clever. I don't know whether a series is planned, but it's a brilliant setup for one...
Verity Fortune, Seeker, escapes from captivity where doctors have kept her special abilities suppressed and attempted to destroy her memories. One thing she knows for sure is that the supervillain Razorfire killed her father, and she is determined to hunt him down and get revenge. However, she has been gone a long time, and someone in her family is her enemy. Soon she is a fugitive, desperate for allies, and hooks up with Glimmer, who has his own reasons for hunting down Razorfire.
It's great to have a female superhero tale like this. There are elements of romance, and some of the principal males are a little too super, but ultimately and primarily the story is about Verity and is narrated by her. In many ways she is both hero and villain, her mind and memories abused, beset by grief and guilt and disfigurement. And being a superhero, she is faced with a number of scenarios that test her moral principles.
The contrast between the volatility of Verity and the rationality of Glimmer is my main point of frustration, in that she is a little too volatile and he is a little too rational, but it's a minor complaint. I devoured this book, and the ending was clever. I don't know whether a series is planned, but it's a brilliant setup for one...
May 13, 2015
I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was spiderman meets superman meets girl interrupted. The first chapter had it's hooks in me from the word go and then they lessened a little as I kept reading. It started as a kind of upside down Spiderman, instead of him fighting someone who is really rich, she is really rich and her father owns a large company and they are fighting the bad guys.
The story flowed well and I really enjoyed where it took me, but some of the writing style and terms that were used put me off a little.
"Christ on a cheeseburger" and other such sayings are not needed for me. Most of the writing was fine but at certain points it felt like the author was trying too hard to make it sound fancy, it wasn't needed and was a little jarring.
Verity was an okay character most of the time but she was a little annoying and quite selfish and doesn't really listen to anyone else. She also has a screw or two lose and not in a good way, some of what she was doing was over the top and not needed.
Overall I found this book action packed and riveting, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes superheroes.
4 out of 5 stars
This book was spiderman meets superman meets girl interrupted. The first chapter had it's hooks in me from the word go and then they lessened a little as I kept reading. It started as a kind of upside down Spiderman, instead of him fighting someone who is really rich, she is really rich and her father owns a large company and they are fighting the bad guys.
The story flowed well and I really enjoyed where it took me, but some of the writing style and terms that were used put me off a little.
"Christ on a cheeseburger" and other such sayings are not needed for me. Most of the writing was fine but at certain points it felt like the author was trying too hard to make it sound fancy, it wasn't needed and was a little jarring.
Verity was an okay character most of the time but she was a little annoying and quite selfish and doesn't really listen to anyone else. She also has a screw or two lose and not in a good way, some of what she was doing was over the top and not needed.
Overall I found this book action packed and riveting, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes superheroes.
4 out of 5 stars
August 19, 2014
(I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
Actual rating - 2.5
Scorched started out okay, but i lost interest.
The characters weren't awful, but i can't say i liked them.
They had plenty of annoying moments, and Verity constantly thinking "I'm ugly" got on my nerves.
I liked the first two chapters, but the rest was quite dull.
The pacing was too slow. It dragged, and dragged, and i thought the book would never end!
Overall, Alright, but way too slow.
Actual rating - 2.5
Scorched started out okay, but i lost interest.
The characters weren't awful, but i can't say i liked them.
They had plenty of annoying moments, and Verity constantly thinking "I'm ugly" got on my nerves.
I liked the first two chapters, but the rest was quite dull.
The pacing was too slow. It dragged, and dragged, and i thought the book would never end!
Overall, Alright, but way too slow.
August 8, 2016
Wow! This read was a real fun ride! A very grown-up superhero story with a hell of a pace, well drawn characters and fantastic, punchy dialogue.
Verity Fortune is my spirit animal. Need to get my hands on Scarred, pronto.
Verity Fortune is my spirit animal. Need to get my hands on Scarred, pronto.
July 20, 2023
She came to her senses in the white room, and she believes herself to not be a bad person. She doesn’t deserve this torture as she realizes she is strapped to a metal chair. She has a metal helmet strapped to her head. She sees the fat one is in the room with her and the female doctor behind the glass. The fat one likes to hurt people, and as much as she wants to reach out with her mind and teach him a lesson, the helmet made of some metal absorbs her augmentation. Between last night and this morning, the drugs they gave her that she regurgitated obviously had no chance of affecting her. She was more alert this morning than she ever had been these past few weeks, but she acted as if she were under the influence of the pills they gave her. Now all she needed was for that fat man to come close and adjust her helmet. Before long, he did and loosened the helmet upon her head, and then she bit him. She sunk her teeth into his wrist and caused as much pain as possible. He reacted just as she thought and reached out with his fist, knocking the helmet loose, which was enough for her to reach out with her mind and slam him into the wall. Smug with herself for not killing him, she escaped vowing vengeance upon her nemesis who captured her and put her into that institution.
This series starter has some most excellent twists and turns contained within. I wasn’t sure of some of them until it came time for the big reveal. The physical world-building is, in general, descriptive. The ethereal world-building gave hints in places or reacted to the scene. While the character interaction, sparsed with flashbacks, was done well.
A superhero story about lost memory and a quest to get it back: To know what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen by the decisions made. Although, seeing a sarcastic, flirting, general smile or scowl through a leather mask is remarkable for anyone. I give this tale three stars out of five stars.
This series starter has some most excellent twists and turns contained within. I wasn’t sure of some of them until it came time for the big reveal. The physical world-building is, in general, descriptive. The ethereal world-building gave hints in places or reacted to the scene. While the character interaction, sparsed with flashbacks, was done well.
A superhero story about lost memory and a quest to get it back: To know what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen by the decisions made. Although, seeing a sarcastic, flirting, general smile or scowl through a leather mask is remarkable for anyone. I give this tale three stars out of five stars.
August 6, 2020
Lots of action
So, Verity is augmented; she has superpowers. Her whole family does. But she's been imprisoned and tortured with her powers suppressed. She manages to escape but her memory is fragmented and the rest of the book is about her attempt to figure out what really happened to her.
I'd like to give this book a higher rating but it was so easy to figure out the behind the scenes details that by the time they're revealed, I want surprised. But it was fun to read despite that.
So, Verity is augmented; she has superpowers. Her whole family does. But she's been imprisoned and tortured with her powers suppressed. She manages to escape but her memory is fragmented and the rest of the book is about her attempt to figure out what really happened to her.
I'd like to give this book a higher rating but it was so easy to figure out the behind the scenes details that by the time they're revealed, I want surprised. But it was fun to read despite that.
February 18, 2020
Neveer read a book like this before. It was like reading a novel of the superhero show Flash or Arrow. I have read comic books and graphic novels with this type of story telling, but never in a novel format. Very interesting and enjoyable read.
December 5, 2024
3.5, rounded up for GR. This was a fun, quick bit of book candy, like reading a cross between a superhero comic book and old timey pulp fiction detective novel. It's got a straightforward story with a decent twist at the end, enough for me to want to read the sequel.
April 29, 2019
Good opener.
More a psychological than an action adventure
Story arc concludes, but still manages to end on a cliff-hanger.
More a psychological than an action adventure
Story arc concludes, but still manages to end on a cliff-hanger.
July 12, 2014
Scorched starts right in the action with Verity, aka augmented superhero “The Seeker”, escaping from an asylum. She’s been locked away by her arch nemesis for months and when she finally escapes, a lot has changed. She doesn’t know who to trust and she certainly isn’t safe. Neither is Sapphire City. She might just have jumped from the frying pan and into the fire.
As this story begins, we’re dropped right in the superhero world. This suited me, because I’m a geek and I wanted to get straight on with the story, but I can imagine a lot of readers might wish they were eased into Verity’s universe. In some ways, the beginning of the book reads almost as though it is the beginning of a sequel, rather than the first in a series.
A lot has already happened to Verity, but after her imprisonment, she struggles to remember the months leading up to her capture. Throughout the novel we get flashbacks of her life before, as she begins to unravel the mystery surrounding her father’s death and the truth behind who the real villains are.
I have to admit, I really struggled with these flashbacks. On the one hand, I liked that we were drip fed her past as an unraveling spool that fed into the main narrative, but unfortunately the structure of the flashbacks totally threw me. They were written in present tense (while the main narrative was written in past), and this was really mind boggling to me. I suppose this stylistic choice may have been to heighten the sense of Verity’s trauma and the extremely present nature of her flashbacks, but I just couldn’t settle into it. This issue alone meant that I took quite a while to get caught up in the story and, even as it progressed, I remained a little unsettled each time a flashback popped up.
Tricky flashbacks aside, when I was absorbed by the Scorched world, I couldn’t help but be blown away by our heroine’s characterization. Verity is the triumph of this story. She is completely tortured, dark and disturbed. More of an antihero, than a heroine you want to relate to, she struggles with morality and that thick grey line separating good and evil. Verity has a rawness of character that is exceptionally rare to read, and it was this that really held up the entire novel for me. Even when, at times, I felt like there were a few too many stray strands of the story, or like the world wasn’t quite as clear as I wanted, I was desperate to read more of Verity and her twisted desperateness, so wanting to be good.
And then there's poor sweet Glimmer, our typical hero, seeking redemption by attempting to save the world. Glimmer is the second character of this novel’s sort-of-love-triangle (completed by charismatic businessman Caine), and in some ways he’s also Verity’s complete opposite. He certainly deserves so much more than our twisted anti-hero Verity, but there’s no escaping the desire for Verity to find a way to be good enough for him. We don’t get any satisfaction, though, as Scorched ends on a cliff-hanger!
The narrative of Scorched definitely wasn’t the easiest for me to relax into, but Erica Hayes has really created a heroine who is, without doubt, a quite extraordinary highlight in this novel.
More superhero chicks please! If you know any more superhero novels for women, by women, hit me up with your recommendations!!! I’m all in.
Rating 3.5 (nearly 4!)
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More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
As this story begins, we’re dropped right in the superhero world. This suited me, because I’m a geek and I wanted to get straight on with the story, but I can imagine a lot of readers might wish they were eased into Verity’s universe. In some ways, the beginning of the book reads almost as though it is the beginning of a sequel, rather than the first in a series.
A lot has already happened to Verity, but after her imprisonment, she struggles to remember the months leading up to her capture. Throughout the novel we get flashbacks of her life before, as she begins to unravel the mystery surrounding her father’s death and the truth behind who the real villains are.
I have to admit, I really struggled with these flashbacks. On the one hand, I liked that we were drip fed her past as an unraveling spool that fed into the main narrative, but unfortunately the structure of the flashbacks totally threw me. They were written in present tense (while the main narrative was written in past), and this was really mind boggling to me. I suppose this stylistic choice may have been to heighten the sense of Verity’s trauma and the extremely present nature of her flashbacks, but I just couldn’t settle into it. This issue alone meant that I took quite a while to get caught up in the story and, even as it progressed, I remained a little unsettled each time a flashback popped up.
Tricky flashbacks aside, when I was absorbed by the Scorched world, I couldn’t help but be blown away by our heroine’s characterization. Verity is the triumph of this story. She is completely tortured, dark and disturbed. More of an antihero, than a heroine you want to relate to, she struggles with morality and that thick grey line separating good and evil. Verity has a rawness of character that is exceptionally rare to read, and it was this that really held up the entire novel for me. Even when, at times, I felt like there were a few too many stray strands of the story, or like the world wasn’t quite as clear as I wanted, I was desperate to read more of Verity and her twisted desperateness, so wanting to be good.
And then there's poor sweet Glimmer, our typical hero, seeking redemption by attempting to save the world. Glimmer is the second character of this novel’s sort-of-love-triangle (completed by charismatic businessman Caine), and in some ways he’s also Verity’s complete opposite. He certainly deserves so much more than our twisted anti-hero Verity, but there’s no escaping the desire for Verity to find a way to be good enough for him. We don’t get any satisfaction, though, as Scorched ends on a cliff-hanger!
The narrative of Scorched definitely wasn’t the easiest for me to relax into, but Erica Hayes has really created a heroine who is, without doubt, a quite extraordinary highlight in this novel.
More superhero chicks please! If you know any more superhero novels for women, by women, hit me up with your recommendations!!! I’m all in.
Rating 3.5 (nearly 4!)
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More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
November 30, 2014
Verity was born augmented, meaning she has super powers just like the rest of her family. She has a secret identity as a super hero to fight crime. One night while battling her arch enemy, Verity gets captured. She ends up being tortured for three weeks in an insane asylum before she gets a chance and escapes. She makes her way back to her family, only able to remember her brother since her brain has been messed with. Verity learns that she has been captive for 9 months instead of the 3 weeks she had thought and that her family has shattered along with the company they used as a front for fighting crime with their super powers. She realizes that someone in her family turned on her and she does not know who she can trust or what to do next.
This book fell a little flat for me. I had no expectations when I started reading this book, so I can't say it did not live up to them. I can't quite put my finger on what I did not like, but I had a very hard time reading this story. For the most part, it did not hold my attention or engage at all. My favorite part was the setting, which felt a little like the movie "Sin City" all dark and full of crime, mixed with the movie "the Watchmen" where there are superheros among the masses and villains try to take over the city. The setting was very angry and jaded, with more hate than anything else, but it was still compelling.
Verity was a very messed up character, with both physical and mental damage from the 9 months she was being tortured. Every time she experiences stress or anxiety, she has a flash of either her memories that have been repressed or the torture she went through. Verity suffers from the most extreme case of PTSD every, and at times she doesn't know up from down and is a loose cannon. She battles her urges from her memories, and calls into questions what is good and what really is evil and where she falls in that scale. I will honestly say that I did not like Verity. She was a harsh abrasive character that lashed out at times for no reason. She had a low opinion of her self, both her looks and her skills, and just assumed everyone felt that way about her. I understand she went through some terrible stuff, but any sympathy she received from me vanished by her personality rubbing me the wrong way. I just had a hard time rooting for her and her self depreciating attitude. I did like her "side-kick" Glimmer, who at times was so much more than she deserved, but he is the little angel on her shoulder that she needed to hear. I wanted their relationship to go in another direction than what it did, so I was a little disappointed in that aspect as well.
The story was not really wrapped up, so I am pretty sure there will be another book to come, but I will not be reading it. I am sure that there are a lot of people who will enjoy this story, but it just did not hit the spot with me.
I received this title from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This book fell a little flat for me. I had no expectations when I started reading this book, so I can't say it did not live up to them. I can't quite put my finger on what I did not like, but I had a very hard time reading this story. For the most part, it did not hold my attention or engage at all. My favorite part was the setting, which felt a little like the movie "Sin City" all dark and full of crime, mixed with the movie "the Watchmen" where there are superheros among the masses and villains try to take over the city. The setting was very angry and jaded, with more hate than anything else, but it was still compelling.
Verity was a very messed up character, with both physical and mental damage from the 9 months she was being tortured. Every time she experiences stress or anxiety, she has a flash of either her memories that have been repressed or the torture she went through. Verity suffers from the most extreme case of PTSD every, and at times she doesn't know up from down and is a loose cannon. She battles her urges from her memories, and calls into questions what is good and what really is evil and where she falls in that scale. I will honestly say that I did not like Verity. She was a harsh abrasive character that lashed out at times for no reason. She had a low opinion of her self, both her looks and her skills, and just assumed everyone felt that way about her. I understand she went through some terrible stuff, but any sympathy she received from me vanished by her personality rubbing me the wrong way. I just had a hard time rooting for her and her self depreciating attitude. I did like her "side-kick" Glimmer, who at times was so much more than she deserved, but he is the little angel on her shoulder that she needed to hear. I wanted their relationship to go in another direction than what it did, so I was a little disappointed in that aspect as well.
The story was not really wrapped up, so I am pretty sure there will be another book to come, but I will not be reading it. I am sure that there are a lot of people who will enjoy this story, but it just did not hit the spot with me.
I received this title from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2014
Scorched is an Urban Fantasy, that centers on the whole Good vs Evil plot line, however when everyone wears a mask, how do you know who is good and who is evil.
We meet Verity in a mental Institution undergoing test/torture treatment, After she manages to escape she goes to her family for help where she finds that nothing is like she remembers. Her father who owns a multimillionaire dollar company, is dead and in his place her uptight sister is now head of the company and running for Mayor. Their company however is just a front for their hidden talents, they are a crime fighting family, who wear costumes and keep their town safe.
Since Verity has been missing, Law and order has gone down the drain, with the Super Villains Razor fire and the Gallery taking over and making everyone’s life hell. Verity can’t just sit and watch everything her family has worked for go to hell so she decides to go against her family and go after the villains.
At the beginning of Scorched I felt a bit lost it was like I was picking up the second book of the series, as it just jumps straight into the story, after I worked out what was going on I was hooked, Verity has no Idea who she can trust after someone betrays her and lets the hospital know where she is after she goes to her family for help. Verity has nothing, the clothes on her back no money nowhere to go but she can’t stay with her family where it is not safe.
I love how it is not a straight up and down Good Vs Evil fight, that it shows just what humans are capable of and that anyone can be hiding a bad side. Scorched really kept me in suspense because even though you think the plot would be predictable it really isn’t, It is enough to keep you turning page after page.
The secondary characters are just as dimensional as the main characters, I particularly liked Glimmer, her accomplice and friend/love interest, he is there for her when she can’t trust anyone and he wants to destroy Razor fire the bad guy just as bad as what Verity does. He helps her to discover who is the bad guys and who are the good guys.
Everyone has their own special powers, and as geeky as that sounds it is not like a comic book. I would compare it more to a show like Arrow where the heroes are not stuffy stuck up snobs and the bad guys are the ugly twisted creatures. Both good guys and bad guys are normal people with special powers, that also manage to hide themselves well to fit in with society. Scorched also has a more updated feel to it with the use of technology to track people and the use of weapons.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys watching Arrow or Lost girl, I am not sure about any books that it may compare to since I have never read ones like it. So if you have any recommendations let me know.
We meet Verity in a mental Institution undergoing test/torture treatment, After she manages to escape she goes to her family for help where she finds that nothing is like she remembers. Her father who owns a multimillionaire dollar company, is dead and in his place her uptight sister is now head of the company and running for Mayor. Their company however is just a front for their hidden talents, they are a crime fighting family, who wear costumes and keep their town safe.
Since Verity has been missing, Law and order has gone down the drain, with the Super Villains Razor fire and the Gallery taking over and making everyone’s life hell. Verity can’t just sit and watch everything her family has worked for go to hell so she decides to go against her family and go after the villains.
At the beginning of Scorched I felt a bit lost it was like I was picking up the second book of the series, as it just jumps straight into the story, after I worked out what was going on I was hooked, Verity has no Idea who she can trust after someone betrays her and lets the hospital know where she is after she goes to her family for help. Verity has nothing, the clothes on her back no money nowhere to go but she can’t stay with her family where it is not safe.
I love how it is not a straight up and down Good Vs Evil fight, that it shows just what humans are capable of and that anyone can be hiding a bad side. Scorched really kept me in suspense because even though you think the plot would be predictable it really isn’t, It is enough to keep you turning page after page.
The secondary characters are just as dimensional as the main characters, I particularly liked Glimmer, her accomplice and friend/love interest, he is there for her when she can’t trust anyone and he wants to destroy Razor fire the bad guy just as bad as what Verity does. He helps her to discover who is the bad guys and who are the good guys.
Everyone has their own special powers, and as geeky as that sounds it is not like a comic book. I would compare it more to a show like Arrow where the heroes are not stuffy stuck up snobs and the bad guys are the ugly twisted creatures. Both good guys and bad guys are normal people with special powers, that also manage to hide themselves well to fit in with society. Scorched also has a more updated feel to it with the use of technology to track people and the use of weapons.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys watching Arrow or Lost girl, I am not sure about any books that it may compare to since I have never read ones like it. So if you have any recommendations let me know.
June 16, 2014
4.5 rounded up to 5.
When I started this book, I really had no idea what I was going to get. At first I thought I was reading a book based on a comic book, and I wasn’t really sure about it. What I got was a really fun read that evolved into a seriously dramatic(but still fun) read. The story went places I couldn’t even guess at, and I enjoyed every minute of it!
What I liked about this book:
The Plot
Verity Fortune is a member of a rich family that happens to be filled with super-hero type people. They defend Sapphire City against the Gallery, a group of criminals intent in taking over the city, and they don’t care who they kill to do it. When the book starts, she is being tortured in an insane asylum. Of course she breaks out. It’s not long before she is in the middle of all kinds of problems and realizes there is no one to trust in her life. She goes on the run. She meets Glimmer and he takes her to his underground home. Together, they decide to try and take down the leader of the Gallery, Razorfire.
The Characters
I loved the two main characters of Verity, also known as The Seeker, and Glimmer Man. Verity is a strong, kick ass heroine, right out of the best UF out there. She has mental issues due to the torture she endured, and can’t remember events from her past that she really needs to. We get flashbacks, but not enough for her to know what happened the night her father died. Did I mention the snark? She has it in spades. Always a good thing for me! Glimmer, was really sweet, a techno geek, and the ultimate good guy. He has a past that almost broke him, now with Verity beside him, he kind of wakes up his life, finally. Both have really different powers. Razorfire was a whole other type of character. As the main villain, and there are more then a few, he stands out as one of the worse villains ever. All three of these characters were very well imagined by the author.
What didn’t I like about this book
I am going to leave this part blank. I loved this book and really didn’t have a problem with any of it. It was a real page turner for me.
Who would I recommend this book to?
All UF fans. Ages would probably be 16 up. Lots of violence, and a couple of sexy scenes, but not full on sex. Some language.
It didn’t say there was going to be a sequel but it left it open for one, and I will be reading it as soon as it comes out-if there is one. I can’t wait to see what comes up next for the characters.
I received this book from Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.(PureTextuality.com)
When I started this book, I really had no idea what I was going to get. At first I thought I was reading a book based on a comic book, and I wasn’t really sure about it. What I got was a really fun read that evolved into a seriously dramatic(but still fun) read. The story went places I couldn’t even guess at, and I enjoyed every minute of it!
What I liked about this book:
The Plot
Verity Fortune is a member of a rich family that happens to be filled with super-hero type people. They defend Sapphire City against the Gallery, a group of criminals intent in taking over the city, and they don’t care who they kill to do it. When the book starts, she is being tortured in an insane asylum. Of course she breaks out. It’s not long before she is in the middle of all kinds of problems and realizes there is no one to trust in her life. She goes on the run. She meets Glimmer and he takes her to his underground home. Together, they decide to try and take down the leader of the Gallery, Razorfire.
The Characters
I loved the two main characters of Verity, also known as The Seeker, and Glimmer Man. Verity is a strong, kick ass heroine, right out of the best UF out there. She has mental issues due to the torture she endured, and can’t remember events from her past that she really needs to. We get flashbacks, but not enough for her to know what happened the night her father died. Did I mention the snark? She has it in spades. Always a good thing for me! Glimmer, was really sweet, a techno geek, and the ultimate good guy. He has a past that almost broke him, now with Verity beside him, he kind of wakes up his life, finally. Both have really different powers. Razorfire was a whole other type of character. As the main villain, and there are more then a few, he stands out as one of the worse villains ever. All three of these characters were very well imagined by the author.
What didn’t I like about this book
I am going to leave this part blank. I loved this book and really didn’t have a problem with any of it. It was a real page turner for me.
Who would I recommend this book to?
All UF fans. Ages would probably be 16 up. Lots of violence, and a couple of sexy scenes, but not full on sex. Some language.
It didn’t say there was going to be a sequel but it left it open for one, and I will be reading it as soon as it comes out-if there is one. I can’t wait to see what comes up next for the characters.
I received this book from Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.(PureTextuality.com)
August 30, 2016
Scorched is pretty much acquired taste- this is for those who love stories about superheroes and villains. Since I keep whining that I want to see more of superhero romances...this was right up my alley. :D
Now, I have to say that calling it romance is stretching- this is more UF, it's plot-focused and action packed.
The story opens with Verity Fortune running away from asylum where she was held against her will and her powers were contained. Verity is one of the augmented, she is a superhero Seeker with strong power of telekinesis.
Augmentation is genetic trait, so entire Fortune family is fighting secretly against organized group of villains called Gallery. But Verity soon realizes that she can't trust her own blood in her crusade against Razorfire who put her in asylum. Her only chance is teaming up with lonely hero, Glimmer.
There are few things I really liked about this novel:
1) heroine's age- she is 31! she is ass-kicking 31y old woman! I can't remember when I read this last time(if ever).
2) heroine is not pretty- She has burn scar on one side of her face, but it was mentioned she was plain looking before the accident.
3)Glimmer- Well, I guess Glimmer is a romantic interest, since Verity is attracted to him, but it was mentioned he is younger than her, so I think their dynamic is interesting. And Glimmer is great all around, I loved him.
4)Razorfire- Villain with delusion of greatness- I loved him! He is ridiculous- he is not just mean, he actually believes in shit he is promoting. :D
Biggest plot points were predictable to me, but it's one of those types of predictability where you think:"Oh, I guess this is going to happen and I hope it does, 'cause that would be awesome!" :)
so, I don't know if I should put that in my + or - column.
Things I didn't like:
1)heroine is not pretty- yes, the same thing I liked, I also disliked. The reason for it was that this seems to be something that heroine is agonizing over and over. You are ass-kicking hero! Who cares how ordinary you look!
2)Verity's angst- conflicted feelings were a little over the top... She changed her priorities so many times...Every few chapters she was apologizing for something she did against agreement she made.
All in all, I had so much fun reading this and I hope we'll get to read more of books in this world- I am really interested to get more info on Verity's cousin Ebenazer!
February 24, 2015
Scorched is about a young woman with superpowers who has escaped an asylum and can’t remember anything that happened. All she remembers is her hatred for the villain Razorfire and decides it is her duty to seek revenge. She runs straight to her brother Adonis and realizes a lot had changed in the months that she was gone. Verity herself is scared from the place and bits of memory come back to her, making her blackout at times and not realize what she is doing. Realizing someone has betrayed her in her family, she runs off and joins Shimmer, another person with powers who is trying to stop Razorfire. As bits of memory come back to her, she realizes that not everything is what it seems.
This story was something between X-Men, having people with mutant-like powers and the government wanting to identify them and contain them…
… The Incredibles with a family full of superheroes fighting justice…
… But darker like that of the Justice League where not everything turns out in the end…
I enjoyed this story fairly well. My favorite character is definitely Razorfire but it isn’t until the end do you really meet his character. At first I thought he was just a flat villain whose only purpose was to be evil, but as the reader goes forward in the book, they learn more about the villain. He reminded me of Magneto…
But mixed with Malcolm Merlyn…
However, I didn’t like the flashbacks and became confused as to what was happening sometimes and whether or not it was a flashback or supposed to be the present. The flashbacks needed to be executed better.
Verity, the main character, had her ups and downs. At first she seemed very strong but further in the story she seemed weaker. This could have been because of the flashbacks and frustration of her not remembering what happened. We do learn at the end the whole story which made all her decisions make sense, but while reading they did seem a little odd. This is a story that has to be read until the end to make complete sense, and it was well worth it.
I give the novel a 4.5/5 due to getting confused with the flashbacks, but really enjoying the characters and plot in the end. This is the start of a new series and I can’t wait for the next book.
So if you enjoy a good superhero story with a little romance and a lot of action, be sure to check this story out by Erica Hayes. And remember, never piss off a woman with superpowers…
Original review posted on A Bibliophile's Reverie
This story was something between X-Men, having people with mutant-like powers and the government wanting to identify them and contain them…
… The Incredibles with a family full of superheroes fighting justice…
… But darker like that of the Justice League where not everything turns out in the end…
I enjoyed this story fairly well. My favorite character is definitely Razorfire but it isn’t until the end do you really meet his character. At first I thought he was just a flat villain whose only purpose was to be evil, but as the reader goes forward in the book, they learn more about the villain. He reminded me of Magneto…
But mixed with Malcolm Merlyn…
However, I didn’t like the flashbacks and became confused as to what was happening sometimes and whether or not it was a flashback or supposed to be the present. The flashbacks needed to be executed better.
Verity, the main character, had her ups and downs. At first she seemed very strong but further in the story she seemed weaker. This could have been because of the flashbacks and frustration of her not remembering what happened. We do learn at the end the whole story which made all her decisions make sense, but while reading they did seem a little odd. This is a story that has to be read until the end to make complete sense, and it was well worth it.
I give the novel a 4.5/5 due to getting confused with the flashbacks, but really enjoying the characters and plot in the end. This is the start of a new series and I can’t wait for the next book.
So if you enjoy a good superhero story with a little romance and a lot of action, be sure to check this story out by Erica Hayes. And remember, never piss off a woman with superpowers…
Original review posted on A Bibliophile's Reverie
August 17, 2014
***Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy***
SCORCHED by Erica Hayes: wherein a young woman by the name of Verity Fortune is a telekinetic Batgirl in a city with a rogues’ gallery to rival Gotham’s. Appropriately nicknamed the Gallery – part mafia, part supervillain cabal – its members wage a never-ending war against the ‘augmented’ Fortunes, who run the multinational Fortune Corp by day, and masquerade at night in various superhero guises. It’s Verity who gives this novel its Christopher Nolan-esque grit right from the start, after she escapes an asylum where she was held and tortured for nine months, with a shattered memory and little control over her powers.
What I particularly enjoyed about SCORCHED is that for most of the book, Verity isn’t a hero. She’s not a nice person, driven by a thirst for revenge rather than a sense of duty. Yet, her reasons for being this way are perfectly justified (at least in her mind), rather than simply there as part of an Anti-Hero character trope. She’s not necessarily likeable, but she’s understandable. She’s been brutalized and disfigured, and comes out of the asylum with only one mantra: I’m not a bad person. But as she continually compares herself to her new friend and righteous do-gooder Glimmer, she starts to have her doubts. It doesn’t help that she’s convinced a member of her family sold her out and went over to the dark side.
Of course, the deep glimpse we get into Verity’s fractured psyche does make it a little hard to believe that certain characters would try so hard to help her, or find themselves so attracted to her. There’s one character in particular who seems to come out of nowhere to form an intense bond with Verity, behind the mask, as it were – but the reveal on that is very good, and very twisted. I did see the biggest twist of the book coming, but I was still eager to get there with Verity – even if she was putting the pieces together a bit slowly. Whether you figure it out or not, there’s plenty of adrenaline, which is only a slight problem when the book ends abruptly. It might as well have had the words ‘to be continued,’ printed on the last page, so I doubt this is the last we’ll hear of Sapphire City and its heroes.
SCORCHED by Erica Hayes: wherein a young woman by the name of Verity Fortune is a telekinetic Batgirl in a city with a rogues’ gallery to rival Gotham’s. Appropriately nicknamed the Gallery – part mafia, part supervillain cabal – its members wage a never-ending war against the ‘augmented’ Fortunes, who run the multinational Fortune Corp by day, and masquerade at night in various superhero guises. It’s Verity who gives this novel its Christopher Nolan-esque grit right from the start, after she escapes an asylum where she was held and tortured for nine months, with a shattered memory and little control over her powers.
What I particularly enjoyed about SCORCHED is that for most of the book, Verity isn’t a hero. She’s not a nice person, driven by a thirst for revenge rather than a sense of duty. Yet, her reasons for being this way are perfectly justified (at least in her mind), rather than simply there as part of an Anti-Hero character trope. She’s not necessarily likeable, but she’s understandable. She’s been brutalized and disfigured, and comes out of the asylum with only one mantra: I’m not a bad person. But as she continually compares herself to her new friend and righteous do-gooder Glimmer, she starts to have her doubts. It doesn’t help that she’s convinced a member of her family sold her out and went over to the dark side.
Of course, the deep glimpse we get into Verity’s fractured psyche does make it a little hard to believe that certain characters would try so hard to help her, or find themselves so attracted to her. There’s one character in particular who seems to come out of nowhere to form an intense bond with Verity, behind the mask, as it were – but the reveal on that is very good, and very twisted. I did see the biggest twist of the book coming, but I was still eager to get there with Verity – even if she was putting the pieces together a bit slowly. Whether you figure it out or not, there’s plenty of adrenaline, which is only a slight problem when the book ends abruptly. It might as well have had the words ‘to be continued,’ printed on the last page, so I doubt this is the last we’ll hear of Sapphire City and its heroes.
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