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Ignis
Felicity Davis, principal of Rawson Girls Grammar School, is a passionate educator, an inspirational leader, some say even an ice queen, although she’s not sure about that last one. But one thing Felicity knows is that she is perfectly happy with her life. That is until the trauma, the darkness of her past, comes crashing into her present, revealing a deeply buried secret, and placing Felicity and those she loves in incredible danger. Inspector Tal Diamandis takes on the case, attempting to extinguish the flames of Felicity’s past before they consume her. Matters become complicated as Felicity and Tal realise their mutual spark of attraction but when they finally connect the shocking links, the explosive conclusion will leave everyone reeling.
Can Felicity play with fire or will the fire become an inferno?
A dark, romantic thriller from the author of Coming Home.
Can Felicity play with fire or will the fire become an inferno?
A dark, romantic thriller from the author of Coming Home.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2021
73 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
K.J .
12 books411 followersBest-selling author KJ lives in Bendigo, Australia with her wife, their son, three cats and a dog. She started writing interesting observations of life, literary articles, poetry, creative non-fiction, and personal essays, and eventually they were all sort of smooshed together in a giant author-y blender and out popped a book. Then another. The blender is currently in use for KJ’s next novel. Her books are best-sellers, with all either finalists or winners in the Goldie Awards, IHeartSapphic, eLit Awards and LesFic Bard awards. KJ also writes novels under her other pen name: K.J. Wrights
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 29, 2021
4.5⭐️ – Forget everything you think you know about KJ’s writing. A thriller isn’t where she’s expected to go, especially not this thriller. Sweet and quirky it isn’t. But boy, can KJ write. With her usual ease with words, the poetry, the rhythm, she tells, in the same universe as Coming Home or Art of Magic, a much grittier and darker story.
If you’ve read Coming Home, Kick Back or Art of Magic, you’re already familiar with Felicity Davis and/or Tal Diamandis. Ignis is when they meet. Felicity loves her job at Rawson Girls Grammar School in Melbourne, she loves the students she’s responsible for, she enjoys her monthly evenings of witty conversation and delicious food followed by satisfying sex. All in all, she is very happy with her life as it is. Her past is firmly in the past, or so she thinks. Felicity wasn’t always this strong, in-charge, free woman. When strange events start occurring, some seemingly insignificant at first, others downright terrifying, Inspector Tal Diamantis, tall, dark and mysterious, enters the scene.
With any other author, I’d probably feel there were too many words but KJ mostly makes it work. With all these words, KJ sets from the very beginning an atmosphere of doubt, of uncertainty, of definite danger, the past seeping into the present. I know some readers don’t like flashbacks but the way KJ tells the story shouldn’t bother you if you’re one of them. The timeline is clear and there’s never any confusion as to when events take place.
As I mentioned above, Felicity and Tal are not new characters and they already had their own little space in the character library in my mind. I already felt like I knew them better than most secondary characters, which is a testament to KJ’s ability to endow her characters with depth and complexity even if they’re not at the heart of the story. I was looking forward to finding out more about Felicity and she didn’t disappoint.
Is it because I already knew who Tal and Felicity were going to be? Or because KJ writes her characters so well that you feel everything going on between them? Either way, the chemistry between both MCs is undeniable, despite Felicity’s initial attempts. What makes the “before” chapters so unsettling is also what makes the lusty tension between Felicity and Tal so much fun. If you’ve read Art of Magic, you remember Rica’s gift. KJ injects some of those vibes into each interaction she writes, to some extent. When it comes to characters falling in lust or in love, it becomes palpable.
Before they get to know her, most people think Felicity is an ice queen. In reality, she’s guarded and she has good reasons to be. In that respect as in many others, Tal and Felicity are very similar, as the latter comments on at one point. They’re both smart, extremely observant, kind and careful with their trust and their love.
Strangely enough however, the romance didn’t completely work for me. It felt almost distracting from the mystery at times. I have no issue with the chemistry between the two main characters, it’s entirely believable. Even so, for two very closed-off people, they share their deepest selves very quickly. I’m willing to believe, however, as I’ve written in previous reviews, that danger brings a sense of urgency and helps walls crumble, especially when you’ve found the right person with whom to let go.
I enjoyed the thriller arc the most, the tension rising, the clues Felicity doesn’t want to see, the sense of foreboding. The atmosphere is perfect, dry, dusty, eerie. Usually, when I read KJ’s books, my heart beats faster because of all the feelings and emotions her characters experience. In this case, it was this sensation of impending doom that made my breath catch and my heart speed up. I can’t blame Felicity for being in complete denial for the longest time about everything that’s happening. Who wants to believe the worst, especially when you’ve already been through it? While the climax wasn’t as earth-shattering as the build-up led me to hope it would be, the resolution is convincing.
How awesome is it to have the privilege of watching an author grow? KJ’s mastery of her words and storytelling improves with each new book. As an author, she keeps surprising me. At first sight, her stories may seem traditional. A romance is a romance, a thriller is a thriller. The devil, however, is in the details and KJ will add a dose of magical realism here, an unpredictable twist or an unconventional relationship there. She can write the sweetest romance (Coming Home will forever remain one of my favourites) then, in a not-so-unexpected way, take the reader for a ride on a gory rollercoaster. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you’ve read Coming Home, Kick Back or Art of Magic, you’re already familiar with Felicity Davis and/or Tal Diamandis. Ignis is when they meet. Felicity loves her job at Rawson Girls Grammar School in Melbourne, she loves the students she’s responsible for, she enjoys her monthly evenings of witty conversation and delicious food followed by satisfying sex. All in all, she is very happy with her life as it is. Her past is firmly in the past, or so she thinks. Felicity wasn’t always this strong, in-charge, free woman. When strange events start occurring, some seemingly insignificant at first, others downright terrifying, Inspector Tal Diamantis, tall, dark and mysterious, enters the scene.
With any other author, I’d probably feel there were too many words but KJ mostly makes it work. With all these words, KJ sets from the very beginning an atmosphere of doubt, of uncertainty, of definite danger, the past seeping into the present. I know some readers don’t like flashbacks but the way KJ tells the story shouldn’t bother you if you’re one of them. The timeline is clear and there’s never any confusion as to when events take place.
As I mentioned above, Felicity and Tal are not new characters and they already had their own little space in the character library in my mind. I already felt like I knew them better than most secondary characters, which is a testament to KJ’s ability to endow her characters with depth and complexity even if they’re not at the heart of the story. I was looking forward to finding out more about Felicity and she didn’t disappoint.
Is it because I already knew who Tal and Felicity were going to be? Or because KJ writes her characters so well that you feel everything going on between them? Either way, the chemistry between both MCs is undeniable, despite Felicity’s initial attempts. What makes the “before” chapters so unsettling is also what makes the lusty tension between Felicity and Tal so much fun. If you’ve read Art of Magic, you remember Rica’s gift. KJ injects some of those vibes into each interaction she writes, to some extent. When it comes to characters falling in lust or in love, it becomes palpable.
Before they get to know her, most people think Felicity is an ice queen. In reality, she’s guarded and she has good reasons to be. In that respect as in many others, Tal and Felicity are very similar, as the latter comments on at one point. They’re both smart, extremely observant, kind and careful with their trust and their love.
Strangely enough however, the romance didn’t completely work for me. It felt almost distracting from the mystery at times. I have no issue with the chemistry between the two main characters, it’s entirely believable. Even so, for two very closed-off people, they share their deepest selves very quickly. I’m willing to believe, however, as I’ve written in previous reviews, that danger brings a sense of urgency and helps walls crumble, especially when you’ve found the right person with whom to let go.
I enjoyed the thriller arc the most, the tension rising, the clues Felicity doesn’t want to see, the sense of foreboding. The atmosphere is perfect, dry, dusty, eerie. Usually, when I read KJ’s books, my heart beats faster because of all the feelings and emotions her characters experience. In this case, it was this sensation of impending doom that made my breath catch and my heart speed up. I can’t blame Felicity for being in complete denial for the longest time about everything that’s happening. Who wants to believe the worst, especially when you’ve already been through it? While the climax wasn’t as earth-shattering as the build-up led me to hope it would be, the resolution is convincing.
How awesome is it to have the privilege of watching an author grow? KJ’s mastery of her words and storytelling improves with each new book. As an author, she keeps surprising me. At first sight, her stories may seem traditional. A romance is a romance, a thriller is a thriller. The devil, however, is in the details and KJ will add a dose of magical realism here, an unpredictable twist or an unconventional relationship there. She can write the sweetest romance (Coming Home will forever remain one of my favourites) then, in a not-so-unexpected way, take the reader for a ride on a gory rollercoaster. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2021
Exquisite tale of intrigue and a smouldering seductive romance. Kindle Unlimited.
An incredibly unique story, with even more unique characters that you can't help but find compelling. Principal Felicity Davis of Rawson Grammar school is a stunning 47 year old woman with a well respected career and personality. She loves being a educator and helping other teachers, staff and students at her school. She is proud of it. Despite that, it could be assessed she lives a lonely closed off life, at least on a truly personal and intimate level. Never really letting anyone in, let alone acknowledging the harrowing past she has escaped.
When a girl from a nearby school goes missing, and she herself starts receiving strange notes and threatening occurrences happening around the school, Inspector Tal Diamandis (38) is on the case. They are a nonbinary character, with a hot androgynous vibe stepping out on their Triumph Motorcycle and leather jacket. One who takes control, and easily assesses those around them. They enthrall the usually very composed Felicity, immediately. Both find each other and their profound confidence and weaponized banter extremely alluring, and are drawn to one another in a way that goes beyond the physical, and truly seems to strip each of them bare to their souls - which is both enticing and scary for all involved.
We get flashbacks to a past that is incredibly emotional, and it really makes us realize what a strong woman Felicity is to have endured what she did, and why she is closed off from her emotions the way she is. But we also witness those walls slowly crumbling, under the strength of Tal's support.
My one complaint, which stopped me from giving this 5 stars, was that the dialogue I felt was not as natural as I would have liked. I get these are well educated people, but even with the more formal word usage and sentences, it still struggled to feel like 'real' and relatable speech, at times - which often jarred me. But it is a very small complaint, in an otherwise exemplary story, about two characters whom I really don't think we've ever seen before in lesfic - and who I would love check in with again, sometime!
An incredibly unique story, with even more unique characters that you can't help but find compelling. Principal Felicity Davis of Rawson Grammar school is a stunning 47 year old woman with a well respected career and personality. She loves being a educator and helping other teachers, staff and students at her school. She is proud of it. Despite that, it could be assessed she lives a lonely closed off life, at least on a truly personal and intimate level. Never really letting anyone in, let alone acknowledging the harrowing past she has escaped.
When a girl from a nearby school goes missing, and she herself starts receiving strange notes and threatening occurrences happening around the school, Inspector Tal Diamandis (38) is on the case. They are a nonbinary character, with a hot androgynous vibe stepping out on their Triumph Motorcycle and leather jacket. One who takes control, and easily assesses those around them. They enthrall the usually very composed Felicity, immediately. Both find each other and their profound confidence and weaponized banter extremely alluring, and are drawn to one another in a way that goes beyond the physical, and truly seems to strip each of them bare to their souls - which is both enticing and scary for all involved.
We get flashbacks to a past that is incredibly emotional, and it really makes us realize what a strong woman Felicity is to have endured what she did, and why she is closed off from her emotions the way she is. But we also witness those walls slowly crumbling, under the strength of Tal's support.
My one complaint, which stopped me from giving this 5 stars, was that the dialogue I felt was not as natural as I would have liked. I get these are well educated people, but even with the more formal word usage and sentences, it still struggled to feel like 'real' and relatable speech, at times - which often jarred me. But it is a very small complaint, in an otherwise exemplary story, about two characters whom I really don't think we've ever seen before in lesfic - and who I would love check in with again, sometime!
August 15, 2021
We've met Felicity Davis and Tal Diamandis before, in Coming Home, Kick Back and Art of Magic. This book tells how they met. But beware. This is a thriller. A dark thriller. It is completely different from KJ's sweet stories, but it is as well written as everything by KJ.
KJ is definitely one of my top favorite authors, but it is sooo difficult to search her books by "kj". I always, always find out about her new books by my friends, here on Goodreads as well as elsewhere on the social networks.
KJ is definitely one of my top favorite authors, but it is sooo difficult to search her books by "kj". I always, always find out about her new books by my friends, here on Goodreads as well as elsewhere on the social networks.
September 7, 2021
How people get convinced and indoctrinated to follow a leader blindly and unconditionally?
I find it fascinating to read about CULT stories.
I felt full admiration for Felicity (MC). You can tell she is a survivor, a fighter. I love to read books where I meet such strong women personalities.
This book hooked me from the start:
An intriguing plot
Great chemistry
A tad of romance
A believable story
So well written book
Even the flashbacks worked amazingly fine.
Something unusual, is that one main character (Felicity) has much more weight in the story than her counterpart (I felt it like 75% 25 %). What worked perfectly, since the other MC (Tal) partnered her awesomely well.
Scarcely credible thing occurred at 85-90%. Not because of what happened, but because of a dangerously naive choice of a MC, not matching at all with her personality profile.
This lowered my rating a little, but then was almost recovered because it was overall an incredibly amazing story.
4.5 *
I find it fascinating to read about CULT stories.
I felt full admiration for Felicity (MC). You can tell she is a survivor, a fighter. I love to read books where I meet such strong women personalities.
This book hooked me from the start:
An intriguing plot
Great chemistry
A tad of romance
A believable story
So well written book
Even the flashbacks worked amazingly fine.
Something unusual, is that one main character (Felicity) has much more weight in the story than her counterpart (I felt it like 75% 25 %). What worked perfectly, since the other MC (Tal) partnered her awesomely well.
Scarcely credible thing occurred at 85-90%. Not because of what happened, but because of a dangerously naive choice of a MC, not matching at all with her personality profile.
This lowered my rating a little, but then was almost recovered because it was overall an incredibly amazing story.
4.5 *
August 8, 2021
While technically not a series, I consider this to be book three of connecting story lines that belong together, the first being Coming Home, then Art of Magic and now Ignis. These are my favorites of KJ's books - primarily because I fell in love with the characters and wanted to know more about them, but also because they're just so well written.
Ignis is Felicity Davis's story - the principal of Rawson's Girls Grammar School - and it went in a completely different direction than Home or Magic did. Home was a fun, swoon-worthy romance, Magic is an almost otherworldly romance with absolutely gorgeous prose, and this is more of a thriller - a surprising turn that highlights KJ's versatility as a writer.
We see Felicity's introduction to Inspector Tal Diamandis here, and while there is too much happening in the story to make this a romance per se, their chemistry is palpable. It's still rare finding non-binary characters in lesfic and KJ makes Tal sexy, intriguing and a worthy candidate for Felicity's affections. I'm so glad KJ gave Felicity her own book because she was completely deserving of one and while I want to comment on some of Felicity's actions in this story, I can't without giving something away. I strongly encourage anyone who hasn't discovered KJ's work yet to start with Coming Home and then read these next two books. They'll make fans out of you! 4.5 stars
Ignis is Felicity Davis's story - the principal of Rawson's Girls Grammar School - and it went in a completely different direction than Home or Magic did. Home was a fun, swoon-worthy romance, Magic is an almost otherworldly romance with absolutely gorgeous prose, and this is more of a thriller - a surprising turn that highlights KJ's versatility as a writer.
We see Felicity's introduction to Inspector Tal Diamandis here, and while there is too much happening in the story to make this a romance per se, their chemistry is palpable. It's still rare finding non-binary characters in lesfic and KJ makes Tal sexy, intriguing and a worthy candidate for Felicity's affections. I'm so glad KJ gave Felicity her own book because she was completely deserving of one and while I want to comment on some of Felicity's actions in this story, I can't without giving something away. I strongly encourage anyone who hasn't discovered KJ's work yet to start with Coming Home and then read these next two books. They'll make fans out of you! 4.5 stars
August 10, 2021
This book is so well-written, as can be expected of KJ. "Dark" is not something I would use to describe her books. This one is definitely different from her usual sweet stories, but I think it shows her breadth as a writer.
Felicity is such a wonderful person and truly a likable character. I also appreciate the representation as there is a non-binary character. This book is a real page-turner. Although everything was tied together at the end of the book, I couldn't help but wish it was longer! :)
Felicity is such a wonderful person and truly a likable character. I also appreciate the representation as there is a non-binary character. This book is a real page-turner. Although everything was tied together at the end of the book, I couldn't help but wish it was longer! :)
August 17, 2021
The tension was built so well in this it left me itching in some chapters, waiting for the next thing, yet dreading it. KJ built the "before" chapters so damn well, I could have read an entire book on The Girl's life Before--in fact, I would love to see that, or something similar from KJ because she nailed the emotions, the descriptions, the build up of all of that so well. Well freaking done!
November 27, 2021
When facing your past means claiming the right to be your own
Felicity Davis is the principal of Rawson Girls Grammar School. She’s respected as a woman of strong values and character. A hard worker, devoted to the wellbeing of her students and school’s employees. In her role up on the hierarchy she seems to have all the confidence and control of her position. When one of her students is gone missing, little by little, the memories of her past start emerging on the surface, shaking the ground around her and the people in her life. A presumptuous inspector, Tal Diamandis, is assigned to the case and their quest for the truth will cross paths with Felicity and her past. Who is Felicity Davis?
Now that I’ve read the book, I can answer that fully, Felicity Davis is all of us, all the women who have been subjected to the power and control of someone else. It’s no surprise that the book starts with one simple word, which is charged with all the power this novel contains, and that word is “she”. And who is She? What does it mean to be a woman? What does entail being a woman?
K.J. brings us back to a not so dystopian time when religion dictated the role of the woman and what were her duties and responsibilities. The mere fact that Thomas Aquinas believed that women were created from the rib of Adam tells you what men, and in particular religious men, thought of women: “objects, instruments whose only purpose was reproduction”. And this was The Middle Ages, if you think that women had to wait the XX century to be able to vote, you can understand that our past and even our current present and future have always been a continuous strive to claim our right to be ourselves and to be respected as equal human beings.
If I scan the pages of Ignis, I witness the amazing strength and beauty of an honest and caring person who does not accept the fate society has chosen for her. No one is entitled to make life altering choices for someone else. No one has the right to take away from you what’s yours. No one should ever be allowed to make you feel like you are nothing, like you are not worthy, like you don’t deserve even a name. Your own very name. What does having a name mean? Why still nowadays, in some countries, when married, women take the name of their husbands? Isn’t that also a sort of “claiming us”, as if we now “belong to them”, our scope to carry their family name, procreating.
Why women are still objectified, abused psychologically and physically? When will this stop? When can we rise from a past of having been cast in the shadows of history?
I’ve never been religious, as I believe religion is just something humanity created to escape the fear that maybe after death there’s just nothing, no heaven, no hell, just the void. I would like to think that there’s something beyond the darkness, but it’s only my fear talking. And the more I contemplate religion, the more I get a bitter taste in my mouth, thinking how religion during the centuries has been a mere instrument of economic, political, and ideological wars. The power of religion scares me. I’ve been baptized, I received the communion and the confirmation, as a lot of catholic people in Italy, but when my conscience started forming itself, I realized I didn’t believe at all, and I can’t think of forcing my religion on someone as pure as a child. I just didn’t have a choice to decide what I wanted to believe in. And that makes me wonder how must feel all those people who don’t have a choice, a voice to decide for themselves. In the Renaissance there was this motto: “Homo faber fortunae suae”, which literally translates into “Every man is the Artifex of its destiny”, where does this leave women? Where does Felicity stand in all of this? And where does Tal?
Felicity is also the biblical Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. I ran a search about the etymology of the name, and it seems to mean “Mistress”, “The lady of the house” and it’s a paradox that all the Marthas of the past had no control whatsoever on their destiny. Serve God and ask no questions, as they always taught you.
But Felicity is also the exception, the rule-breaker, the pioneer, the one who dares to become something more than a number. Felicity takes her future in her hands when she decides to run away from an oppressive religious environment.
She fights to become a better person and help those like her in the possible noblest way: teaching. Sharing her knowledge, sharing her wisdom, sharing her view of the world. She protects her students as they are part of herself, like a family. And when her family is under attack, she is ready to sacrifice herself in order to save the others.
I really enjoyed how KJ structured the novel, with a slow rising in suspense; as you get to know Felicity, her past unrolls in a subtle but sinister way, a preparation for what will come after. So, there’s a crescendo of tension and moments of tranquility. Like a pendulum swinging back and forth, and you are left to ask when it will stop, when the grand finale will come. What will happen? It will get dark and you know it!
During some of these intervals we are allowed to witness the beautiful love story of Felicity and Tal. Their coming together, their letting each other in, their taking and giving control. Their reciprocal respect and devotion for each other. And KJ has done it so beautifully, as it’s not something purely carnal, but more on a mind level. Because you can control someone else body easily, but their mind is hard to control if they don’t let you in.
Therefore, I’m not sure if there’s something more enticing that seeing two mature people sharing their reciprocal attraction using just words. Back and forth. Witty. Daring. A wise game of verbal skills applied in wanting, in submitting and offering yourself to the other, in being impertinent because you know what you desire, and you use your vocabulary knowledge to seduce the other.
I imagined Felicity and Tal’s voices and the way they looked at each other so vividly, that even their silence spoke volume to me. Their eyes could talk too. They knew. They could feel. They share the same fear of losing control, but their pull is so strong that they cannot fight it and so they manage to save each other, their hearts, and their souls, absolving them from their pasts. Beautiful.
I also need to spend a word on Felicity Davis name. Felicity comes from Felicitas, which in Latin means Happy and Davis comes from Son of David, and later used as a surname meaning Beloved. Thus, “beloved happiness”. The happiness that comes from being yourself, owning yourself, and knowing that no one can take that happiness away from you.
Felicity went to Hell and thought the demons and she emerged from it more powerful than she has ever been. Fire couldn’t defeat her, because she is fire herself, she ignites and she is ignited in turn, and there’s no holy water than can put out her tenacity. But I do wonder if the name of Tal, used for both women and men in Israel and meaning “Dew”, has been chosen by K.J. on purpose.
Throughout the whole book K.J’s choice of words is so ad hoc, and it can be only a testimony of the wide knowledge of the author herself. Having read also Coming Home and Art of Magic, I’m growing fond of K.J’s style and also of the type of interior monologue her characters go through when confronted with fear. A word got my attention while reading Ignis and that was “Dissociating”, how the mind of the characters starts wondering and go in survivor mode, trying to distract the body from feeling what they should feel. And this dissociation is the way Felicity walks towards the flames that menace to end her. It’s a powerful image that I can’t get out of my head.
Ignis intrigued me from the beginning with its mystery, its film noir scenes (as K.J. suggests herself), with the dystopian past storyline, an atypical ice queen, a presumptuous and charming non-binary inspector, and with some of the most arousing seduction scenes I have ever read so far. The dialogues are just perfect, and I found out that you don’t need to write a paragraph where each main character says the word “I love you”, because the way this is done in the book is so heartfelt.
I’ll keep Felicity and Tal here… in my heart for a long time. They remind me of our past, of what we are now and what we will become. They remind me that some of us still live in that past and don’t have the privilege of having the future they deserve. They also remind me how strong some people can be.
Ignis is an inspiring book, and you should really pay attention to it while reading it.
Felicity Davis is the principal of Rawson Girls Grammar School. She’s respected as a woman of strong values and character. A hard worker, devoted to the wellbeing of her students and school’s employees. In her role up on the hierarchy she seems to have all the confidence and control of her position. When one of her students is gone missing, little by little, the memories of her past start emerging on the surface, shaking the ground around her and the people in her life. A presumptuous inspector, Tal Diamandis, is assigned to the case and their quest for the truth will cross paths with Felicity and her past. Who is Felicity Davis?
Now that I’ve read the book, I can answer that fully, Felicity Davis is all of us, all the women who have been subjected to the power and control of someone else. It’s no surprise that the book starts with one simple word, which is charged with all the power this novel contains, and that word is “she”. And who is She? What does it mean to be a woman? What does entail being a woman?
K.J. brings us back to a not so dystopian time when religion dictated the role of the woman and what were her duties and responsibilities. The mere fact that Thomas Aquinas believed that women were created from the rib of Adam tells you what men, and in particular religious men, thought of women: “objects, instruments whose only purpose was reproduction”. And this was The Middle Ages, if you think that women had to wait the XX century to be able to vote, you can understand that our past and even our current present and future have always been a continuous strive to claim our right to be ourselves and to be respected as equal human beings.
If I scan the pages of Ignis, I witness the amazing strength and beauty of an honest and caring person who does not accept the fate society has chosen for her. No one is entitled to make life altering choices for someone else. No one has the right to take away from you what’s yours. No one should ever be allowed to make you feel like you are nothing, like you are not worthy, like you don’t deserve even a name. Your own very name. What does having a name mean? Why still nowadays, in some countries, when married, women take the name of their husbands? Isn’t that also a sort of “claiming us”, as if we now “belong to them”, our scope to carry their family name, procreating.
Why women are still objectified, abused psychologically and physically? When will this stop? When can we rise from a past of having been cast in the shadows of history?
I’ve never been religious, as I believe religion is just something humanity created to escape the fear that maybe after death there’s just nothing, no heaven, no hell, just the void. I would like to think that there’s something beyond the darkness, but it’s only my fear talking. And the more I contemplate religion, the more I get a bitter taste in my mouth, thinking how religion during the centuries has been a mere instrument of economic, political, and ideological wars. The power of religion scares me. I’ve been baptized, I received the communion and the confirmation, as a lot of catholic people in Italy, but when my conscience started forming itself, I realized I didn’t believe at all, and I can’t think of forcing my religion on someone as pure as a child. I just didn’t have a choice to decide what I wanted to believe in. And that makes me wonder how must feel all those people who don’t have a choice, a voice to decide for themselves. In the Renaissance there was this motto: “Homo faber fortunae suae”, which literally translates into “Every man is the Artifex of its destiny”, where does this leave women? Where does Felicity stand in all of this? And where does Tal?
Felicity is also the biblical Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. I ran a search about the etymology of the name, and it seems to mean “Mistress”, “The lady of the house” and it’s a paradox that all the Marthas of the past had no control whatsoever on their destiny. Serve God and ask no questions, as they always taught you.
But Felicity is also the exception, the rule-breaker, the pioneer, the one who dares to become something more than a number. Felicity takes her future in her hands when she decides to run away from an oppressive religious environment.
She fights to become a better person and help those like her in the possible noblest way: teaching. Sharing her knowledge, sharing her wisdom, sharing her view of the world. She protects her students as they are part of herself, like a family. And when her family is under attack, she is ready to sacrifice herself in order to save the others.
I really enjoyed how KJ structured the novel, with a slow rising in suspense; as you get to know Felicity, her past unrolls in a subtle but sinister way, a preparation for what will come after. So, there’s a crescendo of tension and moments of tranquility. Like a pendulum swinging back and forth, and you are left to ask when it will stop, when the grand finale will come. What will happen? It will get dark and you know it!
During some of these intervals we are allowed to witness the beautiful love story of Felicity and Tal. Their coming together, their letting each other in, their taking and giving control. Their reciprocal respect and devotion for each other. And KJ has done it so beautifully, as it’s not something purely carnal, but more on a mind level. Because you can control someone else body easily, but their mind is hard to control if they don’t let you in.
Therefore, I’m not sure if there’s something more enticing that seeing two mature people sharing their reciprocal attraction using just words. Back and forth. Witty. Daring. A wise game of verbal skills applied in wanting, in submitting and offering yourself to the other, in being impertinent because you know what you desire, and you use your vocabulary knowledge to seduce the other.
I imagined Felicity and Tal’s voices and the way they looked at each other so vividly, that even their silence spoke volume to me. Their eyes could talk too. They knew. They could feel. They share the same fear of losing control, but their pull is so strong that they cannot fight it and so they manage to save each other, their hearts, and their souls, absolving them from their pasts. Beautiful.
I also need to spend a word on Felicity Davis name. Felicity comes from Felicitas, which in Latin means Happy and Davis comes from Son of David, and later used as a surname meaning Beloved. Thus, “beloved happiness”. The happiness that comes from being yourself, owning yourself, and knowing that no one can take that happiness away from you.
Felicity went to Hell and thought the demons and she emerged from it more powerful than she has ever been. Fire couldn’t defeat her, because she is fire herself, she ignites and she is ignited in turn, and there’s no holy water than can put out her tenacity. But I do wonder if the name of Tal, used for both women and men in Israel and meaning “Dew”, has been chosen by K.J. on purpose.
Throughout the whole book K.J’s choice of words is so ad hoc, and it can be only a testimony of the wide knowledge of the author herself. Having read also Coming Home and Art of Magic, I’m growing fond of K.J’s style and also of the type of interior monologue her characters go through when confronted with fear. A word got my attention while reading Ignis and that was “Dissociating”, how the mind of the characters starts wondering and go in survivor mode, trying to distract the body from feeling what they should feel. And this dissociation is the way Felicity walks towards the flames that menace to end her. It’s a powerful image that I can’t get out of my head.
Ignis intrigued me from the beginning with its mystery, its film noir scenes (as K.J. suggests herself), with the dystopian past storyline, an atypical ice queen, a presumptuous and charming non-binary inspector, and with some of the most arousing seduction scenes I have ever read so far. The dialogues are just perfect, and I found out that you don’t need to write a paragraph where each main character says the word “I love you”, because the way this is done in the book is so heartfelt.
I’ll keep Felicity and Tal here… in my heart for a long time. They remind me of our past, of what we are now and what we will become. They remind me that some of us still live in that past and don’t have the privilege of having the future they deserve. They also remind me how strong some people can be.
Ignis is an inspiring book, and you should really pay attention to it while reading it.
December 11, 2023
Felicity Davis is such a memorable character. She truly is formidable. I loved that she didn't like how her life was turning out so she changed it. Plain and simple. She ran and never looked back. The Melbourne setting was welcome in my brain, as well. It was easy to image the setting and the people. Oh my, the supporting characters Felicity encountered in her life starting from Thommo to Mrs Georgopolous to Chris. I could so easily imagine them and it's a glorious feeling, they were crafted to feel so familiar like I've known them too at some point in my life.
The story in general was captivating and I enjoyed the thrill of the mystery. The religious undertone added a layer of sinister to the story which was a delight! It's nice to have a number of things a reader can focus on a story, not just the plain romance. The main character's stint in the women's shelter was also a great segue way to highlight the ACTUAL IMPORTANCE OF THESE PLACES for the vulnerable girls and women all over the world!
July 10, 2022
I would say this isn’t a typical book by KJ. This thriller is different from a lot of books I read and I am not entirely sure how I liked it. The writing is great, the characters complicated and that is where I have trouble. I like the challenge they bring, how their walls slowly come down. But don’t get to know them or get into their relationship.
The thriller aspect is clear and their roles in it as well, but it’s the more personal stuff where I find that I have trouble connecting with this book. I understand that is just the way these characters are, but aside from me being intrigued by it, I don’t feel it and that is something I do need for higher enjoyment.
As said these characters are wonderful and I love the easy acceptance between them. But as we don’t get to know them very well I do feel like it is more lust and the challenge than love. Luckily they don’t really speak of that, maybe make slight references to it, but that’s ok.
I did enjoy this story because it is different, but it was just missing something for me. More personal character traits for the romance and more thriller aspects for thrill of course…
The thriller aspect is clear and their roles in it as well, but it’s the more personal stuff where I find that I have trouble connecting with this book. I understand that is just the way these characters are, but aside from me being intrigued by it, I don’t feel it and that is something I do need for higher enjoyment.
As said these characters are wonderful and I love the easy acceptance between them. But as we don’t get to know them very well I do feel like it is more lust and the challenge than love. Luckily they don’t really speak of that, maybe make slight references to it, but that’s ok.
I did enjoy this story because it is different, but it was just missing something for me. More personal character traits for the romance and more thriller aspects for thrill of course…
August 24, 2021
Anything relating to cults is terrifying to me and this book kept me on my toes from the very start which I really liked. I was afraid for the girl and afraid of of what she may be forced to do, and I thank K.J. for writing a great mystery story that does not involve young brides.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2021
This is the second book I’ve read by this author – along with her debut novel Coming Home – and I have to say that I love KJ’s writing even though this one is completely different from her debut.
Felicity Davis, the principal of Rawson Girls Grammar School, is an award-winning educator fully dedicated to her job and satisfied with her life. But her traumatic past is coming back to haunt her putting Felicity and those around her in danger. Inspector Tal Diamandis takes on the case but will they be able to solve it before it’s too late? And what will Felicity and Tal do with their mutual budding attraction?
KJ describes this book as a “dark romantic thriller” which is very different from her previous works. Don’t expect a heartwarming romance here because you won’t find it. Ignis (great title, by the way), explores the worst of humanity and it wouldn’t be so disturbing if it didn’t ring true about how fanaticism, sexism, and violence still play a dominant role in many societies. Unfortunately, the author’s descriptions of some of the events in this book sound very authentic and plausible.
The thriller is, in my opinion, the best part of the novel. KJ knows how to keep the readers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced action (I’ve experienced a bit of this in Coming Home). Here, the intrigue part is not a complete mystery and the readers might get a hint of what to expect. Despite that, there is a lot of excitement. This is the type of plot in which you can see the character take unnecessary risks which inevitably leads them to great peril. You can just hold your breath waiting for the worst to come.
As this is a novel in which the past is coming to haunt the protagonist, there are quite a few flashbacks that are told in an alternated manner with the present. I know that many readers dislike flashbacks, but I found that they were very well done. It’s a great form of character building as the past justifies many of Felicity’s actions in the present. At the beginning, I was more invested in the flashback action because it’s fast-paced. Eventually, the present-day thriller catches up with the action too.
I personally wasn’t that much invested in the romance part of the plot. I understand that life-threatening situations aren’t very conducive to a full-on romance and both characters are guarded, and almost emotionally unavailable. Consequently, their mutual attraction, while believable, wasn’t off the charts. Ignis feels more like a dark thriller than a romance. There’s nothing wrong with it, just don’t expect a heartwarming love story.
Both main characters are very well fleshed out and their actions make sense considering their traumatic pasts, especially Felicity who is such a well-rounded, complex character. Also, kudos to the author for introducing a non-binary main character. Tal is the epitome of an enigmatic, dark and broody person who doesn’t fit the gender normative. It’s good to see more and more of these types of characters in the genre.
Overall, a very good thriller with a bit of romance on the side. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Felicity Davis, the principal of Rawson Girls Grammar School, is an award-winning educator fully dedicated to her job and satisfied with her life. But her traumatic past is coming back to haunt her putting Felicity and those around her in danger. Inspector Tal Diamandis takes on the case but will they be able to solve it before it’s too late? And what will Felicity and Tal do with their mutual budding attraction?
KJ describes this book as a “dark romantic thriller” which is very different from her previous works. Don’t expect a heartwarming romance here because you won’t find it. Ignis (great title, by the way), explores the worst of humanity and it wouldn’t be so disturbing if it didn’t ring true about how fanaticism, sexism, and violence still play a dominant role in many societies. Unfortunately, the author’s descriptions of some of the events in this book sound very authentic and plausible.
The thriller is, in my opinion, the best part of the novel. KJ knows how to keep the readers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced action (I’ve experienced a bit of this in Coming Home). Here, the intrigue part is not a complete mystery and the readers might get a hint of what to expect. Despite that, there is a lot of excitement. This is the type of plot in which you can see the character take unnecessary risks which inevitably leads them to great peril. You can just hold your breath waiting for the worst to come.
As this is a novel in which the past is coming to haunt the protagonist, there are quite a few flashbacks that are told in an alternated manner with the present. I know that many readers dislike flashbacks, but I found that they were very well done. It’s a great form of character building as the past justifies many of Felicity’s actions in the present. At the beginning, I was more invested in the flashback action because it’s fast-paced. Eventually, the present-day thriller catches up with the action too.
I personally wasn’t that much invested in the romance part of the plot. I understand that life-threatening situations aren’t very conducive to a full-on romance and both characters are guarded, and almost emotionally unavailable. Consequently, their mutual attraction, while believable, wasn’t off the charts. Ignis feels more like a dark thriller than a romance. There’s nothing wrong with it, just don’t expect a heartwarming love story.
Both main characters are very well fleshed out and their actions make sense considering their traumatic pasts, especially Felicity who is such a well-rounded, complex character. Also, kudos to the author for introducing a non-binary main character. Tal is the epitome of an enigmatic, dark and broody person who doesn’t fit the gender normative. It’s good to see more and more of these types of characters in the genre.
Overall, a very good thriller with a bit of romance on the side. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2021
A powerful story!
Felicity’s past comes creeping up, reminding her of everything she thought she’d managed to escape when it comes close to home with issues she is dealing with at work. Inspector Tal, who is working on the cases causing Felicity to feel so unsettled and forcing her to face demons and past, takes on supporting Felicity while trying to solve the case. When Tal and Felicity have a mutual spark, the truth can’t be ignored and Felicity is forced to face her past head on if she is ever truly going to be free of her trauma.
A deeply emotional, moving, thriller of a story with a lot of power and soul searching. I adored every minute of the story and to date, this is KJ’s best work. There was something deep buried within this story, and although many will never have experienced the same trauma of Felicity, it is relatable and reminds you that things like this do happen in this world. It was scary when that realisation hit at times but it was what made the story so good. It was realistic but at the same time dramatic, a real mystery and thriller for the reader as Felicity’s layers were peeled away and the truth revealed.
Tal is a great character but this is definitely Felicity’s story and it was such an honour to get to know a character and their history so intimately. KJ touched on and revealed bits and pieces about Tal, especially where she could directly relate with Felicity but there is more of a story there, so I hope this means there will be more from Felicity and Tal. Being so close to Felicity in this story though was an experience, reliving her past with her and learning how it is linked to and affecting her future was so clever.
There was one moment in the book though were KJ’s wonderful ability to tell stories really shone. It left me emotionally choked up and I was so immersed at that moment I almost felt like I was in the story and experiencing that moment as if it was me personally affected by it. I was right in Felicity’s shoes and completely moved. I know that moment will stay with me as it was just so powerful, everything about it but most importantly the message it delivered.
A fantastic story that I highly recommend and know my review can never do it the justice it deserves. You have to read Ignis for yourself to feel its power.
Felicity’s past comes creeping up, reminding her of everything she thought she’d managed to escape when it comes close to home with issues she is dealing with at work. Inspector Tal, who is working on the cases causing Felicity to feel so unsettled and forcing her to face demons and past, takes on supporting Felicity while trying to solve the case. When Tal and Felicity have a mutual spark, the truth can’t be ignored and Felicity is forced to face her past head on if she is ever truly going to be free of her trauma.
A deeply emotional, moving, thriller of a story with a lot of power and soul searching. I adored every minute of the story and to date, this is KJ’s best work. There was something deep buried within this story, and although many will never have experienced the same trauma of Felicity, it is relatable and reminds you that things like this do happen in this world. It was scary when that realisation hit at times but it was what made the story so good. It was realistic but at the same time dramatic, a real mystery and thriller for the reader as Felicity’s layers were peeled away and the truth revealed.
Tal is a great character but this is definitely Felicity’s story and it was such an honour to get to know a character and their history so intimately. KJ touched on and revealed bits and pieces about Tal, especially where she could directly relate with Felicity but there is more of a story there, so I hope this means there will be more from Felicity and Tal. Being so close to Felicity in this story though was an experience, reliving her past with her and learning how it is linked to and affecting her future was so clever.
There was one moment in the book though were KJ’s wonderful ability to tell stories really shone. It left me emotionally choked up and I was so immersed at that moment I almost felt like I was in the story and experiencing that moment as if it was me personally affected by it. I was right in Felicity’s shoes and completely moved. I know that moment will stay with me as it was just so powerful, everything about it but most importantly the message it delivered.
A fantastic story that I highly recommend and know my review can never do it the justice it deserves. You have to read Ignis for yourself to feel its power.
December 12, 2022
I liked the present-day thriller arc, it was fast paced and well executed. It took Felicity a while to catch up with the obvious perpetrator which wasn't very convincing in my opinion. The romance part was a nice addition, it isn't central to the plot, but it was executed well and it balanced the overall sense of uncertainty and danger.
October 31, 2021
“I am my name,” she whispered under her breath.
2.5 stars. This was fine; didn't love it, didn't hate it. I felt the same way about the only other KJ book I read. They're pretty different books, though this is sort of a prequel. Sort of a romantic suspense about Felicity, the principal of a private school whose traumatic past is catching up with her, and Tal, the investigator looking into the disappearances of girls in the area.
The romance was probably my favourite part. Tal and Felicity had great chemistry and banter. Otherwise, I'm having trouble thinking about things to say about this book. The mystery/thriller aspects really didn't work for me, because absolutely nothing was a surprise. It's one of those books where you just have to put one braincell's worth of thought into it to figure out where the plot is going/who is responsible. And I mean, I don't think that that's necessarily a failing on the book's part; I can't imagine anything here was supposed to be a surprise or a twist. But it just wasn't really engaging to read. Super predictable, and the climax of the story went to the place that all thrillers seem to feel obligated to go. It was interesting reading about the cult, but also somehow flat? There were some things in Felicity's backstory that made me roll my eyes because of how neat and convenient it all was. And overall, idk what it is, but I just didn't gel with the writing. A lot of what I feel is nitpicky in the extreme, so I won't get into it. Suffice to say, there was nothing about the writing that I particularly enjoyed.
My feelings about the book are still largely positive? Mostly? Because again, it's not like it did anything wrong. Tal was a totally swoon-worthy love interest. I loved their simultaneous irreverence and protectiveness towards Felicity, and it's always nice to have nonbinary characters in romance. But the storytelling really didn't do anything great, and he book on a whole ended up not being for me.
Content warnings: .
October 9, 2021
I've only read KJ's Change of Plans before; it's warm and enjoyable to read, so when everyone was talking about Ignis and how the book is so different from KJ's previous books, I had no idea what I was going to expect but definitely not involve a religious cult, it was so creepy and so well written! I want to read all of KJ's books and low key wishing there's going to be more mystery stories from KJ!
I was rewatching the movie Bound(1996) the other day, somehow Tal wearing a leather jacket gives me those Corky vibes
I was rewatching the movie Bound(1996) the other day, somehow Tal wearing a leather jacket gives me those Corky vibes
August 19, 2021
Felicity Davis and Tal Diamandis. Yes, please. I picked this book up from KU knowing I wanted to see this romance on page. Their relationship is as steamy as I knew it would be but the fire on the cover comes from the dark, disturbing and engaging plot. I was hooked from the first chapter following the girl trapped in a religious cult and was impressed with the way KJ blended past with present.
A real page turner. Well done.
A real page turner. Well done.
July 29, 2021
I was so excited to finally read Felicity‘s story. And wow I’m a bit at a loss for the right words because this story is so amazingly brilliant. It is different than KJ‘s other books because it’s not only a story about love but also a dark thriller. I usually don’t read thrillers. But well when it comes to KJ I will read just everything. And I’m so glad and happy I did.
I needed a bit time at the beginning to get into the story because it switches between the past and the present. But this didn’t take long and then it was a total page turner. Learning about everything that made Felicity as the person she is today was exciting and most of all it made so much sense.
I won’t tell too much about the story itself because it is just a must read and everyone needs to do that on their own. But I wanna say something about the characters. Most of all of course about Felicity and Tal.
What I love the most about Felicity is her kindness, her honesty, her empathy and her pure heart (I think there is a lot of KJ in it ☺️). I mean all the little things she does for others to make their life’s e bit easier. The way she never judges others even if she might not like something. For example the friendship she forms with Chris was so beautiful. Almost no one ever took the time to really see him as the wonderful person he is and all because he is different. How she always treats him with the biggest respect touched me deeply. And in the end this friendship is going to change her life. It’s definitely the perfect example of do good and good will come to you.
I was also thrilled to hear the story about how she met Sam and what she did for her. 😍
Then Tal. Her story is actually the reason I had to cry. It just touched me. And everything just added up in the end. I think that goes for both and they just fit perfectly together, even if Felicity tries a lot not being attracted to her. Some of the scenes were not only hot, they were also totally funny.
All of this between a storyline that will keep you on your toes. And for all the romance lovers that usually don’t read thrillers just like me. I promise this story is a must read. It goes never into any details that it would have been too much for me. And of course there is still this wonderful love story. So be prepared for a fantastic ride. Personally I think this is KJ‘s best work so far. Even if Coming Home and all her other books are not far behind.
And KJ please be proud of yourself for this amazing book. I can’t say it often enough. This is brilliant.
I needed a bit time at the beginning to get into the story because it switches between the past and the present. But this didn’t take long and then it was a total page turner. Learning about everything that made Felicity as the person she is today was exciting and most of all it made so much sense.
I won’t tell too much about the story itself because it is just a must read and everyone needs to do that on their own. But I wanna say something about the characters. Most of all of course about Felicity and Tal.
What I love the most about Felicity is her kindness, her honesty, her empathy and her pure heart (I think there is a lot of KJ in it ☺️). I mean all the little things she does for others to make their life’s e bit easier. The way she never judges others even if she might not like something. For example the friendship she forms with Chris was so beautiful. Almost no one ever took the time to really see him as the wonderful person he is and all because he is different. How she always treats him with the biggest respect touched me deeply. And in the end this friendship is going to change her life. It’s definitely the perfect example of do good and good will come to you.
I was also thrilled to hear the story about how she met Sam and what she did for her. 😍
Then Tal. Her story is actually the reason I had to cry. It just touched me. And everything just added up in the end. I think that goes for both and they just fit perfectly together, even if Felicity tries a lot not being attracted to her. Some of the scenes were not only hot, they were also totally funny.
All of this between a storyline that will keep you on your toes. And for all the romance lovers that usually don’t read thrillers just like me. I promise this story is a must read. It goes never into any details that it would have been too much for me. And of course there is still this wonderful love story. So be prepared for a fantastic ride. Personally I think this is KJ‘s best work so far. Even if Coming Home and all her other books are not far behind.
And KJ please be proud of yourself for this amazing book. I can’t say it often enough. This is brilliant.
August 10, 2021
Phenomenal!
Must read! You will not want to put this book down, as soon as you start. Personally not a big fan of now and then stories, but this one made me think I have to give them more chances. KJ rocked this book! Tal and Felicity's story is strong on chemistry, wit and banter. Even when I had to put it down at times because life got in the way, I was sneaking paragraphs just to hurry up and finish, I would not have been able to leave it overnight. So sit back and enjoy this book when you have a few hours to spare because stopping and starting is just going to frustrate you.
Must read! You will not want to put this book down, as soon as you start. Personally not a big fan of now and then stories, but this one made me think I have to give them more chances. KJ rocked this book! Tal and Felicity's story is strong on chemistry, wit and banter. Even when I had to put it down at times because life got in the way, I was sneaking paragraphs just to hurry up and finish, I would not have been able to leave it overnight. So sit back and enjoy this book when you have a few hours to spare because stopping and starting is just going to frustrate you.
October 30, 2021
I liked it
Thus one is a little darker than the other books I have read from this author but good nonetheless and not so dark it would turn someone off. Slight spoiler... I do wonder what actually happened to some of the kids from where Martha was from in particular Pure. We only really know what happened to the nurse but I kind of wish there was more on that end.
I liked Tal and the chemistry between them and Felicity was well done. I do wonder if anything will happen with Isabelle and Hannah. Maybe a future story...
Anyway, I enjoyed this read and as always look forward to more from this author.
Thus one is a little darker than the other books I have read from this author but good nonetheless and not so dark it would turn someone off. Slight spoiler... I do wonder what actually happened to some of the kids from where Martha was from in particular Pure. We only really know what happened to the nurse but I kind of wish there was more on that end.
I liked Tal and the chemistry between them and Felicity was well done. I do wonder if anything will happen with Isabelle and Hannah. Maybe a future story...
Anyway, I enjoyed this read and as always look forward to more from this author.
August 3, 2021
There is so much to love about this book. From the start we are thrown into two worlds, two times. The back and forth is fabulous. When you are in each part you are completely enveloped, almost forgetting about the other time, the other story.
The mysteries are compelling and the writing is delicious.
I adore the main characters and the beautiful balance of dark mystery and these moments that made me smile and sometimes even giggle.
A brilliant read. Highly recommend if you like dark mysteries.
The mysteries are compelling and the writing is delicious.
I adore the main characters and the beautiful balance of dark mystery and these moments that made me smile and sometimes even giggle.
A brilliant read. Highly recommend if you like dark mysteries.
December 2, 2021
Wow, what a book.
I can't even express how much I loved this book. I was hooked from the get go and just wanted to binge it. The intriguing plot, the way it shifts initially between the past and present (which was done exceptionally well) and the amazing chemistry between Tal and Felicity was fantastic.
Highly recommend a read if you're looking for a romance novel that's paired with an intriguing story.
I can't even express how much I loved this book. I was hooked from the get go and just wanted to binge it. The intriguing plot, the way it shifts initially between the past and present (which was done exceptionally well) and the amazing chemistry between Tal and Felicity was fantastic.
Highly recommend a read if you're looking for a romance novel that's paired with an intriguing story.
August 10, 2021
A+++++
Wow KJ, excellent work!
Mystery-thriller-romance(sub plot) featuring an non-binary character! I’ve been lucky to read a couple books lately having representation and it’s nice to see inclusion in the sapphic-fiction writing community.
So I’ve read 2 other books from KJ, Coming Home and Kick Back, and this was so different and exceeded my expectations! I really enjoy when authors surprise me like this!
Felicity (principal) and Tal(inspector), the two mains, meet due to girls going missing near and in Felicity’s school. This dredges up Felicity’s past and forces her to trust and accept the help of Tal. The two dance around their mutual attraction and the flirting and banter is superb. The story is set in Melbourne so for a US reader is always fun reading/learning Aussie vernacular.
The story line of the main plot is very well written, researched, and complex. I really hope KJ writes more mystery/thrillers because she really does have a knack for it.
I think there is potential for a 2nd book, or hopefully maybe a short story but we’ll see.
I think this could work for a lot of people, especially those who only want a romance subplot.
Wow KJ, excellent work!
Mystery-thriller-romance(sub plot) featuring an non-binary character! I’ve been lucky to read a couple books lately having representation and it’s nice to see inclusion in the sapphic-fiction writing community.
So I’ve read 2 other books from KJ, Coming Home and Kick Back, and this was so different and exceeded my expectations! I really enjoy when authors surprise me like this!
Felicity (principal) and Tal(inspector), the two mains, meet due to girls going missing near and in Felicity’s school. This dredges up Felicity’s past and forces her to trust and accept the help of Tal. The two dance around their mutual attraction and the flirting and banter is superb. The story is set in Melbourne so for a US reader is always fun reading/learning Aussie vernacular.
The story line of the main plot is very well written, researched, and complex. I really hope KJ writes more mystery/thrillers because she really does have a knack for it.
I think there is potential for a 2nd book, or hopefully maybe a short story but we’ll see.
I think this could work for a lot of people, especially those who only want a romance subplot.
July 23, 2022
I have found another new favourite author.
K.J really writes extraordinarily well! Whilst author’s first book I read, Coming Home, had me smiling, laughing and tearing. Ignis is set in a totally different premise, it had me holding my breath, waiting for the worst to happen.
It’s incredible, that K.J could be so versatile in her writing. I totally recommend this book.
K.J really writes extraordinarily well! Whilst author’s first book I read, Coming Home, had me smiling, laughing and tearing. Ignis is set in a totally different premise, it had me holding my breath, waiting for the worst to happen.
It’s incredible, that K.J could be so versatile in her writing. I totally recommend this book.
May 25, 2022
Review coming after a reread. I can say this - Love,love Felicity.
May 15, 2022
"But I'm also bringing my heart, because intimacy cannot exist without involving the heart, even fleetingly."
Inspector Tal Diamandis takes on the investigation, hoping to put out the fires of Felicity's past. As Felicity and Tal realize their mutual attraction, things become more complicated. The shocking conclusion will leave everyone stunned when they finally connect the shocking links.
While this was not technically a series, I consider this to be the third book in a series of interconnected storylines (Coming Home as the first and Art of Magic as the second) although Felicity and Tal's story occurred way before the characters' relationships in the first two books even started.
Before anything else, I just have to say how much I adore Felicity and Tal. We might not get many diverse characters in the LGBT spectrum when it comes to books but Tal's non-binary lesbian representation needs to be expressed. I loved the part wherein Felicity asked Tal's pronouns (which was they/them) before proceeding and that kind of detail just makes the story even more perfect. And don't get me started with the fact that both characters are independent in their own right and that everyone is intimidated by both of them because of their aloof and reserved personalities. I've never come across a couple that has similar personalities (like how overt displays of affection weren't their thing) yet their personalities were also different in a way which is why the writing of these characters really portrayed their dynamic and uniqueness. The fact that KJ was able to write such good and well-honed characters and fit their personalities together and had those sex scenes tamed made their verbal jousting and banter might as well be equated to sexual tension and foreplay—and mind you, those banter can light up the entire room into flames. And that delivery is just the kind of stuff I would gladly devour whole.
5 frickin stars overall.
May 7, 2022
Tempted by numerous reviews, I chose K.J.'s book as an introduction to her work. Was I lucky with my choice? A detective and a teacher seem to be a perfect couple. The addition of an age-gap romance and intrigue makes this read quite exceptional.
Having one of the MCs as a teacher always creates a lot of buzz. Every author who presents a character in this profession tries to dispel misconceptions about teachers, or at the very least make them more appealing because of their profession. Felicity was given a particular personality by K.J. In this scenario, an incredibly sensitive and sensible individual with an interesting background is key. In the blink of an eye, the reader falls in love with her. And these are the book's best features.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages. I was raised to value oddities, particularly those associated with diverse cultures and backgrounds. People don't always differ due to their decisions. Making up silly stories or fiddling with the discrepancies just demonstrates one's ignorance. Things that we don't comprehend often make us grin. As long as it's just a smile, it's perfectly safe. Making up stories to diminish other people's customs and beliefs is a terrible form of ignorance that puts people of certain beliefs and origins in disgrace. This is always done to the same group of people. Furthermore, no author has the courage to touch other groups. The game with pronouns was also something I disliked. I suppose it appeals to some people. However, it turns me off because it depersonalizes the character. The most essential question becomes whether they feel like a lady, a guy, or neither. Who is it, then? The pronouns are necessary for the reader to understand the context. My reading speed is slowed when there’s a pronoun that refers to nobody. I need to go over several key parts over and again to make sure the plot is correct.
All in all, the intrigue, the pace and the mood in the book is ok. All elements of the genre appear in the right balance. Also, the author tries to suit the taste of narrow lobby forgetting about vast group of neutral readers.
Having one of the MCs as a teacher always creates a lot of buzz. Every author who presents a character in this profession tries to dispel misconceptions about teachers, or at the very least make them more appealing because of their profession. Felicity was given a particular personality by K.J. In this scenario, an incredibly sensitive and sensible individual with an interesting background is key. In the blink of an eye, the reader falls in love with her. And these are the book's best features.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages. I was raised to value oddities, particularly those associated with diverse cultures and backgrounds. People don't always differ due to their decisions. Making up silly stories or fiddling with the discrepancies just demonstrates one's ignorance. Things that we don't comprehend often make us grin. As long as it's just a smile, it's perfectly safe. Making up stories to diminish other people's customs and beliefs is a terrible form of ignorance that puts people of certain beliefs and origins in disgrace. This is always done to the same group of people. Furthermore, no author has the courage to touch other groups. The game with pronouns was also something I disliked. I suppose it appeals to some people. However, it turns me off because it depersonalizes the character. The most essential question becomes whether they feel like a lady, a guy, or neither. Who is it, then? The pronouns are necessary for the reader to understand the context. My reading speed is slowed when there’s a pronoun that refers to nobody. I need to go over several key parts over and again to make sure the plot is correct.
All in all, the intrigue, the pace and the mood in the book is ok. All elements of the genre appear in the right balance. Also, the author tries to suit the taste of narrow lobby forgetting about vast group of neutral readers.
August 8, 2021
A•MA•ZING
I am speechless! Smooth but at the same time a story that would keep you at the edge of your seat!
The transition between before and present was magnificent! It’s a love story fill with passion, love, angst, pain and friendship. Definitely a twist for previous KJ’s books but a good one for sure! It will ignite your soul!!
I am speechless! Smooth but at the same time a story that would keep you at the edge of your seat!
The transition between before and present was magnificent! It’s a love story fill with passion, love, angst, pain and friendship. Definitely a twist for previous KJ’s books but a good one for sure! It will ignite your soul!!
February 25, 2023
To be fair in this review, I have to note two things.
Firstly, that I bought Ignis as an experiment. Normally, a detectivey-thriller is not my usual flavour of romance. I used to like them, but the sub-genre has become too brutal for me to want to spend time in those worlds. (If anyone writes a good lesbian romantic thriller where the grisly aspects are left ‘offstage,’ please let me know!) The second thing I want to admit is that when this story got to the villainous parts, I flipped past those pages. Therefore my review is based on a most-but-not-all reading of it.
Okay, here are my two cents. Begin with: I read it through. That’s a compliment. (As I have mentioned in other reviews, I abandon books I don’t like. I guesstimate that I don’t finish about 65 percent of the books I buy, so right there Ignis is in the top 35%.)
This book is readable, and engaging enough to have kept me turning the pages to the end. Both the main characters are strong women. Hot, in fact—Tal in the black leather motorcycle kind of way, and Felicity in the heels and business suits way. They are powerful and competent. They are middle-aged. All traits I like in MCs. The story moves along and the writing craft is solid. And, it is set in Australia. I love that setting.
The thing that jumped out at me is that nowhere in this romantic thriller do we get inside Tal’s (they/them) head. To me, that’s either a very brave authorial choice / experiment, or a major oversight. I’m going to go with authorial choice because I think the writer is competent.
So this next part of my review addresses that choice. Can one love someone else who is not visible? With no internal life of their own represented, Tal basically becomes a character of Felicity’s creation and interpretation. They are seen exclusively as she sees them—from the outside. Tal is drawn through behaviour, tells, and Felicity’s interpretations of what Tal is thinking or feeling. (And don’t get me wrong, Tal is charming.)
But we all know that the face we show the world is a guarded one. What we think and what we do often differ. (For example, I wish I could be half as kind as I dream of being.) We also know that two people, however in love with each other, have areas of disagreement, and occasions when their viewpoints differ. Without those differences—even if they’re only internally admitted—the characters risk becoming mirror images of each other.
An interesting aspect of this novel is that it explores a theme of control / power / consent. I suspect that theme set up the extreme care / formality with which the principals engaged with each other, especially at the beginning.
So, all in all this was an interesting work. And as I said, I finished it.
Firstly, that I bought Ignis as an experiment. Normally, a detectivey-thriller is not my usual flavour of romance. I used to like them, but the sub-genre has become too brutal for me to want to spend time in those worlds. (If anyone writes a good lesbian romantic thriller where the grisly aspects are left ‘offstage,’ please let me know!) The second thing I want to admit is that when this story got to the villainous parts, I flipped past those pages. Therefore my review is based on a most-but-not-all reading of it.
Okay, here are my two cents. Begin with: I read it through. That’s a compliment. (As I have mentioned in other reviews, I abandon books I don’t like. I guesstimate that I don’t finish about 65 percent of the books I buy, so right there Ignis is in the top 35%.)
This book is readable, and engaging enough to have kept me turning the pages to the end. Both the main characters are strong women. Hot, in fact—Tal in the black leather motorcycle kind of way, and Felicity in the heels and business suits way. They are powerful and competent. They are middle-aged. All traits I like in MCs. The story moves along and the writing craft is solid. And, it is set in Australia. I love that setting.
The thing that jumped out at me is that nowhere in this romantic thriller do we get inside Tal’s (they/them) head. To me, that’s either a very brave authorial choice / experiment, or a major oversight. I’m going to go with authorial choice because I think the writer is competent.
So this next part of my review addresses that choice. Can one love someone else who is not visible? With no internal life of their own represented, Tal basically becomes a character of Felicity’s creation and interpretation. They are seen exclusively as she sees them—from the outside. Tal is drawn through behaviour, tells, and Felicity’s interpretations of what Tal is thinking or feeling. (And don’t get me wrong, Tal is charming.)
But we all know that the face we show the world is a guarded one. What we think and what we do often differ. (For example, I wish I could be half as kind as I dream of being.) We also know that two people, however in love with each other, have areas of disagreement, and occasions when their viewpoints differ. Without those differences—even if they’re only internally admitted—the characters risk becoming mirror images of each other.
An interesting aspect of this novel is that it explores a theme of control / power / consent. I suspect that theme set up the extreme care / formality with which the principals engaged with each other, especially at the beginning.
So, all in all this was an interesting work. And as I said, I finished it.
August 14, 2021
This is the third book in the Rawson Girls Grammar School universe and it is absolutely fantastic. In this latest book, readers learn more about Felicity Davis, a character that has previously only held a supporting role in the universe’s story arc. Felicity has always shown herself to be an exceptionally dynamic and intriguing woman, one that displays inspiring confidence and strength. Her controlled independence may come across as icy, but it’s attractive none the less. Even though she tends to be guarded, it does not affect her appeal. In fact, it seems to heighten her appeal.
To be honest, I’ve always been quite drawn to Felicity’s character. When she enters the page, I sit up straight and take notice. She is simply captivating. Her self-control and enigmatic behavior hints at a poignant and evocative past that leaves me wondering. I want to know what lies beneath the surface and what makes her tick. Quite frankly, she is the type of character that inspires complex and rich storytelling, and that is exactly what Ignis is.
I can’t say too much about the plot because it unfolds in a way that adds greatly to the storytelling. KJ employs a stylistic creativity to Ignis that not only enhances, but enriches the overall story; revealing too much about it will, in my opinion, ruin the reading experience. Know this though: it is maximum levels of gripping, suspenseful and compelling reading. The story arc is well planned and executed. Once you get your hands wrapped around the pages of Ignis, the world will fall away.
Final remarks…
I was ecstatic to learn that KJ was developing a story that would feature Felicity. I was even more thrilled to read it. This is an excellent piece of fiction. The drama is stirring. The suspense is page-turning. The romance is rousing and sexy. This book is top-shelf storytelling, and well-worth reading. I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Dynamic, delicious lead characters
Compelling plot
Well-paced
Well-written
To be honest, I’ve always been quite drawn to Felicity’s character. When she enters the page, I sit up straight and take notice. She is simply captivating. Her self-control and enigmatic behavior hints at a poignant and evocative past that leaves me wondering. I want to know what lies beneath the surface and what makes her tick. Quite frankly, she is the type of character that inspires complex and rich storytelling, and that is exactly what Ignis is.
I can’t say too much about the plot because it unfolds in a way that adds greatly to the storytelling. KJ employs a stylistic creativity to Ignis that not only enhances, but enriches the overall story; revealing too much about it will, in my opinion, ruin the reading experience. Know this though: it is maximum levels of gripping, suspenseful and compelling reading. The story arc is well planned and executed. Once you get your hands wrapped around the pages of Ignis, the world will fall away.
Final remarks…
I was ecstatic to learn that KJ was developing a story that would feature Felicity. I was even more thrilled to read it. This is an excellent piece of fiction. The drama is stirring. The suspense is page-turning. The romance is rousing and sexy. This book is top-shelf storytelling, and well-worth reading. I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Dynamic, delicious lead characters
Compelling plot
Well-paced
Well-written
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