I agree with the previous reviewer. The book lacks substance and is less about telling a story and more about telling the writers opinion. The truly sad thing is Melanie Rawn has written several awesome novels. This is not one of them.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is a sequel to Spellbinder. Unlike Spellbinder, however, it just pretends to be a fantasy novel. It is primarily a rant of the author's political opinions on the subjects of abortion, homosexuality, sexual slavery, prostitution, civic duty/participation, prejudice, and religion - the fantasy storyline appears at irregular intervals. If that is what you are looking for, go for it. Otherwise, be warned.
Black magic, rituals, and everyday life in a small town set the tone for this excellent paranormal fantasy.
Evan Lachlan and his wife Holly McClure, a witch, have moved from Manhattan to her hometown in Virginia to raise their young children. The town is known for having the most witches in one place in the entire country. Most of the oldest families business is witchcraft. Holly is a spellbinder, and appreciates that Evan has opened his mind to the magic in her family.
Evan is the county sheriff, and is investigating a series of arsons in the area. Someone is burning down churches and using magic to activate the trigger. Evan suspects it may have something to do with the new owners of the Westmoreland plantation. It has been recently renovated and opened into an upscale inn.
Looking for proof, Evan and Holly attend a fund raiser at the plantation. Not long after their arrival, they are left gasping at the magic that fills the air. Using magic, Hollys cousin Cam finds a doorway not visible to the human eye and they all rush into the room. But unfortunately, there is no exit out and something sinister and dark is on the other side.
An action-packed thrilling fantasy bursting at the seams with magic, FIRE RAISER is a bewitching tale. Melanie Rawn draws the reader in from page one and doesnt let go until the final climax. Fantasy and paranormal lovers alike will enjoy FIRE RAISER. I certainly did!
Evan Lachlan and his wife Holly McClure, a witch, have moved from Manhattan to her hometown in Virginia to raise their young children. The town is known for having the most witches in one place in the entire country. Most of the oldest families business is witchcraft. Holly is a spellbinder, and appreciates that Evan has opened his mind to the magic in her family.
Evan is the county sheriff, and is investigating a series of arsons in the area. Someone is burning down churches and using magic to activate the trigger. Evan suspects it may have something to do with the new owners of the Westmoreland plantation. It has been recently renovated and opened into an upscale inn.
Looking for proof, Evan and Holly attend a fund raiser at the plantation. Not long after their arrival, they are left gasping at the magic that fills the air. Using magic, Hollys cousin Cam finds a doorway not visible to the human eye and they all rush into the room. But unfortunately, there is no exit out and something sinister and dark is on the other side.
An action-packed thrilling fantasy bursting at the seams with magic, FIRE RAISER is a bewitching tale. Melanie Rawn draws the reader in from page one and doesnt let go until the final climax. Fantasy and paranormal lovers alike will enjoy FIRE RAISER. I certainly did!
If you love Melanie Rawn's other books, you'll be in for a treat. Spellbinder was fairly mediocre. I am wishing I read something else instead of wasting my time on Fire Raiser.
The plot had a lot of potential which was never reached. Instead, we're treated to the main character launching into political rants relevant to events 7-8 years ago, as well as certain hot-button topics. Despite the fact I lean the same direction, the excessive ranting in the form of dialogue was not connected to the plot in any way - it was a major distraction. Had I not been quite comfortable in the bathtub, I would have set it down and found something else to read.
While Spellbinder was not up there with Rawn's other books, I gave it a lot of leeway as it was a significant detour from her other works. Fire Raiser was nothing more than Rawn using a short-story plot line as a medium for her own political rantings.
The plot had a lot of potential which was never reached. Instead, we're treated to the main character launching into political rants relevant to events 7-8 years ago, as well as certain hot-button topics. Despite the fact I lean the same direction, the excessive ranting in the form of dialogue was not connected to the plot in any way - it was a major distraction. Had I not been quite comfortable in the bathtub, I would have set it down and found something else to read.
While Spellbinder was not up there with Rawn's other books, I gave it a lot of leeway as it was a significant detour from her other works. Fire Raiser was nothing more than Rawn using a short-story plot line as a medium for her own political rantings.
