I’m an outcast and a loner, named for death itself. Fate wasn’t supposed to have plans for me.But then she came back–the girl I once kissed in a thorn-covered chapel in the woods. She came back, and I could no more resist her than I could pry out my own heart. And by some trick of fate, she wants me as much as I want her. The only problem? She also wants the man who owns Thornchapel, Auden Guest. Auden Guest.
And so do I.
Eight years ago, I did something to Auden, something terrible. He hurt me back the only way he knew how, and so here we are: our hatred seasoned with pain and my loneliness seasoned with longing. The only thing we can agree on is Proserpina Markham, and she wants us to find a way to be together–all three of us.
If Auden wants to earn her as his submissive, then he has to earn me as well.
But with the discovery of bones behind the altar and the carnal revel of Beltane fast approaching, it’s becoming clear that Thornchapel’s secrets are much deeper and older than any of us could have ever guessed. And no matter how bright and merry a feast of sparks may be, it’s always followed by ashes.
And darkness.
Feast of Sparks is Book Two in the Thornchapel series.
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Erotic, edgy, and unexpected- Feast of Sparks is unlike anything I’ve ever read!
Let me start off with saying I absolutely loved A Lesson in Thorns, the first in the Thornchapel saga. Feast of Sparks is up there, however, I had some fundamental trigger issues in this one that made it difficult to rate as highly. Feast of Sparks is following the same group- for a different ritual, this one- Beltane, a feast of eroticism and sacrifice. I’m loving the relationship between Auden, Poe, and St. Sebastian, the push, pull, and earning of each other makes me smile. Seeing another side to Becket, Delphine, and Rebecca from the fallout of Thornchapel 1 is an interesting twist.
Feast of Sparks is full of vivid imagery, intense and erotic scenes, and feels like a rollercoaster ride with it’s ups and downs. While the last few pages are not my favorite, I am excitedly awaiting the next installment!
I finished this book two days ago and am still processing my thoughts. As always, Sierra has written her characters so incredibly brilliantly with a lush, thought provoking storyline. I know that ending cliffy threw some people but honestly, I’m even more intrigued to see what she writes to follow this up. 5 stars from me for this second book in this Thornchapel series.
Annnd there’s another winner.
Feast of Sparks by Sierra Simone is book two in her Thornchapel trilogy. Feast of Sparks is not a standalone. The previous book, A Lesson in Thorns must be read prior to this one. The book picks up where A Lesson in Thornes was left off.
St. Sebastian, Auden and Poe are ready to take the next step. After their night of revelation they aren’t the same people anymore. But they’re still insecure in their new relationship. And the other three, Rebecca, Delphine and Becket have theri own agenda. They’re a circle of friends, lovers and acquaintances.
Feast of Sparks is told in a multiple pov and jumps between past and present.
Sierra Simone manages to build breathless anticipation in a heart wrenching story at it’s finest. The story builds and builds and ends with a bang and now I’m sitting here with a major book hangover and can’t wait to get my hands on Harvest of Sighs, the epic conclusion. I highly recomnmend the book and the serial and give 5+ Stars.
OH MY GOODNESS! Little by little, the secrets of Thornchapel unfold.
Have you ever had an inkling of something you were fairly certain of, yet it still knocked you on your behind when you found out for sure it’s true? This series just keeps getting better and better. While we learn some of the answers that plagued us from A Lesson in Thorns, we have a whole new set of questions that arise with the developing relationships, not only between Poe, Auden and Saint, but with the others as well. We finally see more of what happened years ago and what has happened since to make each of the six friends who they are today. When one question is answered, several more pop up. How does this latest encounter tie in with a generation ago, with their parents? Will they ever get the answers they’ve been looking for, or will Thornchapel keep them close until it’s too late?
I cannot wait for Harvest of Sighs!
What. In the world. Did I just read? If I thought A Lesson in Thorns packed a punch, then a Feast of Sparks is The Hulk when he’s very angry.
The author did such an incredible job with this book. It was emotional, it was thrilling, mysterious and very, very steamy <-- so steamy it should come with a warning label. It follows on from the first novel, and we get to delve deeper into St. Sebastian's and Auden's relationship, where we see where it all began to why it is so catastrophic in the present. And we also see how that involves Poe. We also get to see a lot more of the others, and the skeletons in their closets. We see a little more of what makes them tick. Becket, out of the three, is my favourite *insert devil face emoji here*. There's a lot of themes that emotionally will affect you. It can hit you especially at moments, but it does make the story what it should be. Let's give a round of applause for the spiciness of the novel. Man, it was hawt! Really hot! I got very uncomfortable in the best possible way of reading this. One thing I would say with this book is reading it in your bedroom with the door locked. Trust me, it's too hot not too! And that surprise little ending... Wowza! I couldn't stop thinking about it. Still, can't stop thinking about it. I didn't think what the author wrote. It never occurred to me, ever. The ending in my head was bland compared to this. It was unbelievable in so many ways. A Thorn of Sparks is possibly the most controversial, sexy, suspenseful and best reads of 2019. It's so much temptation, and you cannot but want to be tempted when you enter the world of Thornchapel. Five stars!
I am so in love with this series. Every intricate detail written perfectly. I loved learning about how Saint and Auden came to be. This book slowly burned and burned until I was engulfed in the flames. I love how this book encourages you to be yourself, kinks and all. And no better description of love is love. No judgements. I was wrapped up tight in its web, every erotic detail, every demanding emotion, just better than the next. My heart is yearning for the next book, Harvest of Sighs. I mean holy book hangover, this story is just embedded deep in my soul!
This book is not just a feast, it is a banquet, a wonderful series of delicate, delicious dishes that explode with rich flavour in every mouthful. To draw out the metaphor, I have devoured every brilliantly conceived and written word of this book. Sierra Simone is a masterful writer and this series, again, proves her versatility and skill in character creation, plotting and realisation of her ideas. Each character has their time to reveal aspects of themselves, but the emphasis remains on Poe, Auden and the totally beautiful St Sebastian. They are a wonderful creation, each so different, yet each so very alluring in their expressions of love and passion.
I could mither on and on about how incredibly good this book is, about how I am already anxiously anticipating the next book, but I won’t. I just hope I have done it justice
This book deserves more than 5 stars!
There are no words to describe how much I enjoyed this book, from the first page to the last page. The heat starts from the very beginning all the way to the end. It is so freakin hot!! The writing is incredible, and it’s obvious how much research went into this book. It evoked so many different emotions in me throughout but that cliffhanger broke my heart. I’m beyond shocked, I hope it doesn’t mean what I think it means. I want more of the three!!!
How am I going to wait for the next book? It’s going to drive me crazy that’s for sure, but I’m willing to wait for the next masterpiece. Loved it!!!!
Oh my goodness. I can’t believe what Ms. Simone has put us through in book 2. The things that happens between anyone and everyone in the group is driving me crazy trying to figure out what is going on for and between all of them. If you think that the first book, A Lesson in Thorn, was out of this world hot and sexy, Feast of Sparks takes in to another level. Add in all the crazy secrets from their parents, Thornchapel’s past, and St. Sebastian and Auden’s past and this story keeps you on the edge trying to find out what’s going to happen because it is never what you would have expected. I’m glad to finally find out what St. Sebastian and Auden “hate” each other. The second ritual, the Feast of Beltrane, is also a little intense and unusual but in a totally hot way too. But secrets from the past keeps cropping up to change everything that seems to have worked itself out throughout the story. And the ending….total surprise and makes you wonder what is really the truth. I need the next book ASAP so I can continue reading about this group of friends and the 4 rituals that they are trying to enact out.
This took me a bit to finish only b/c I didn’t want it to end. But end it did and with a whelp of a reveal only to leave us hanging. Not to say it was a ‘cliffhanger’ as I know that turns some people off and honestly I’m one of ‘those people’. I love my series finished before jumping in, but I’m here to tell you J.U.M.P.
We get a mostly St. Sebastian pov story. I LOVE St. Sebastian. I love him and Auden. This made me very happy. VERY VERY happy.
There is little with Rebecca and Delphine but I suspect they will be in the one more. Not sure I am as excited as I want so much more Beckett, Auden, Poe, St. Sebastian. But of course I’ll read it all.
Once again I was looking up words like crazy. Like CRAZY. Why I feel so stupid reading these stories is beyond me, but Sierra did a great job opening up my vocabulary. Though I doubt the new words will stick.
I cried more than I thought I would. All the “Eight Years Ago” memories held my heart hostage.
~I Volunteered to read an advance copy.
Holy moly!! This book absolutely GUTTED me!!! What the heck did I just read! I don’t even know if I can even pick up another book after this! It was everything!
Sierra Simone is one of my all time favorite authors. Her writing is just impeccable!
This is one of the best books of 2019 and a most anticipated read. And boy was I not disappointed. This second book in The Thornchapel books was absolutely amazing. Sierra Simone tells an amazing story of friendship, love. lust and all the secrets surrounding the lives of these six characters. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
After The first book I knew I was in for heartache with this series but I did not expect to be this invested in the story in the the life or these fictional characters that after finishing it all I can think about is how is this going to work out, how are they going to get through this hurdle and why the F didn’t he say something before!!!
I will spoil it, but be prepare Thornchapel is not for the faint of heart, this series promises to rip your heart open, I just hope it will be mend in the end.
Wow! I am reeling from this book. It has so many layers. The plot is unique, intriguing, complex, and captivating. There is lust, love, romance, religion, mythology, mystery, murder, and bdsm. It is a story where past and present collide.
The characters are unique and intriguing as well. They each contribute so much to the story with their histories and different personalities. We get more of a glance into what went on with Saint Sebastian and Auden. The polyamorous relationships between friends definitely adds an interesting & sexy, steamy dynamic.
I love how detailed Sierra Simone is in her books. It adds so much depth and makes me feel as if I am living the story. I loved this book. It was unputdownable from start to finish. I highly recommend reading it. I can’t wait to see what Sierra does next!
****ARC received in exchange for an honest review****
There’s something so decadently seductive in the way Sierra Simone crafts her romances – it’s not just the amount of steam and kink found in her scenes, but it’s the sensuality that resonates in her word choice and in how she structures her sentences to amp up the sexiness of the situation as well as illustrate the frenzy of touches, the essentialness of characters’ connections. But the appeal further expands when Simone integrates historical, contemporary, sexual, and religious ideas/ideals, not necessarily arguing one side more than the other but providing readers with a comprehensive outlook in all areas, proving that these areas are not simply black and white, and it’s the gray area of all of them that lends to captivating storytelling, even when frustration sets in because not all questions have answers and not all answers are what readers expect or perhaps even want.
The complexity of the Thornchapel series as well as the Feast of Sparks story line is twofold:
Multiple Main Characters – In A Lesson in Thorns, Poe and Auden are the main focus, but Saint, Rebecca, Delphine, and Becket all play pivotal roles in both the group’s past as well as their present. In Feast of Sparks, the main insight is gained about Saint, learning more of his past as well as the highs and lows of his relationships with the other members of the group, especially Auden. In the present, it’s clear that there is so much at stake for these characters and as readers learn about each person’s connection to the chapel, we also understand that there is still a great deal unknown about the group and the role each character plays in both the present and the past.
An Array of Overarching Story Components – There’s mystery and secrets, sensual and hardcore sexual experimentation, BDSM and multiple partners, religious and ideological concepts.
And all of them play into the other ones, offering necessary insight and hard truths that many do not take the time to understand and rarely ever accept.
It’s the details and history that Sierra Simone provides in her stories that keep readers invested in her words and her characters. Simone uses her romances as a teaching tool, delving into the history of religion, of man’s evolution, of the taboo ideas that people feel when it comes to crossing sexual boundaries. And because her words are provocative and her story lines seamlessly blend steam and sultriness with intellectual and philosophically perspectives, each of her books is so much more than smutty romance, which I so appreciate.
4.5 Poison Apples
OMG…..What a story. Feast of Sparks continued right where the previous book ended. This story was engrossing, erotic, detailed and very well written. Like the previous book I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Some questions were answered but so many more arose as the story progressed. This book focused more on St.Sebastian and his history with Auden. We got glimpses of the past which gave us a much better understanding of the present. However the story wasn’t only focused on St. Sebastian. Some focus was placed on the other characters in this tale and we learned a bit more of them all. This story was HOTT and steamy. It was downright erotically charged from start to finish with MM, MF, FF, MMF scenes all included. However there was also much emotion and great character development.
I was consumed with this story. The religious aspect, the mythology, the mystery and other-worldliness, even the characters and the emotions all had me glued to my seat. Feast of Sparks is also being added to my list of top read of this year. This page-turner was a phenomenal read and I would highly recommend it.
Wow just wow! I can’t even find the right words to describe this wonderful book, it’s pure MAGIC!
I love how well written it is, once you start this book you won’t be able to put it down.
Now’s the turn for St. Sebastian to tell his story, so we get glimpses of the past and then back at the present day. It’s really insightful and helpful so we get to understand more of what happened between Saint and Auden.
The last book we had Imbolc and in this case one we get to celebrate Beltane and GOSH you are not prepared for what’s going to happen. . .
There are still so many mysteries, more questions(why, how) and secrets about Thorchapel, that you can’t help but make your own theories.
This book is utterly great, so good and oh so wrong but deliciously wrong, hot, hot hot and kinky!!!
Sierra Simone is a genius, and I can’t wait for the next book because that cliffhanger is killing me.
Picking right up where ALIT left off, Feast of Sparks dives right in to the drama surrounding Poe’s mother. She gets some answers but of course ends up with so many more that can only be answered by her father, but he’s very reluctant to give them to her. He only insists that she go back home. But Poe is much too invested in Thornchapel to even consider leaving.
The drama, angst, and spankings get even better. The flashbacks to Saint Sebastian’s teenage years are just founts if information. I definitely was surprised at the history of Saint, Auden, Auden’s dad Ralph, and Saint’s mom Jennifer.
The Beltane ritual scene is just, unf. Seriously, Sierra can paint such vivid pictures with her words and she definitely did not disappoint with any of the Beltane ritual and interpretations.
I have no idea how I’m going to make it waiting for the third book. These characters are so amazing. Definitely a must-read series!
4.5 Stars!!!
This series is so captivating! While the first book, A Lesson in Thorns, took me a little while to get into, this one sucked me in right away. It picks up right where book one left off and we now get St. Sebastian’s POV. I originally was a little skeptical of the change in POV but I ended up really enjoyed the change in perspective.
In this story we get more of St. Sebastian and Auden’s history and what lead them to have so much conflict. The drama in this series is addictive, as is the relationships between the characters. While there may be a little more focus on Poe, St. Sebastian, and Auden in this story, don’t worry. The others play an important role in the story and I can’t wait to see what happens with this story and world I’ve quickly become invested in.
I enjoy how much this series challenges me. It pushes my boundaries, tests what we think is “appropriate” in relationships, and most of all tests my patience! The ending of this book has me anxious and impatiently waiting for the next book!
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
4.5 Stars
I have two words for you- HOLY HOTNESS!!!
Feast of Sparks by Sierra Simone is the second book in the Thornchapel series and cannot be read as a stand-alone. You’ll need to read A Lesson in Thorns first. Ms. Simone wove an intricate tale that is so addicting, steamy, and unique. I could not put it down!
Feast of Sparks picks up right where A Lesson in Thorns ended. Six people who are connected from their childhood are now all adults trapped in a crazy web from the Thornchapel. FoS focuses more on Auden, Poe, and St. Sebastian and their unbelievable connection. I can’t really say much more other than it was kinky, mysterious, and downright mesmerizing. Ms. Simone continually amazes me with her ability to suck you into her fictional worlds. I cannot wait to see where this series goes! Highly recommend reading this book!